1992 BMW 518 vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1992 BMW 518 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1992 BMW 518. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1992 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 382 kg more than 1992 BMW 518. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 BMW 518. (165 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 518 | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 518 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2750 mm |
