1990 BMW M3 vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1990 BMW M3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 2,838 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW M3 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (135 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 162 kg more than 1990 BMW M3.
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, 1990 BMW M3 (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (223 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1990 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW M3 | 1985 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | M3 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2467 cc | 2838 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.1 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1362 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 60 L |
