1989 BMW 850 vs. 1998 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1998 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 BMW 850 would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1989 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 BMW 850 (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. (147 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 273 kg more than 1989 BMW 850.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1989 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM). This means 1989 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. 1989 BMW 850 has automatic transmission and 1998 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1998 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1989 BMW 850 | 1998 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | BMW | Pontiac |
Model | 850 | Firebird |
Year Released | 1989 | 1998 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4988 cc | 3353 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 296 HP | 147 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
Torque | 450 Nm | 257 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 3150 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 1528 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4920 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1900 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1310 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2570 mm |