1995 BMW S3 vs. 1972 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1995 BMW S3 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 7,456 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 BMW S3 (338 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. (301 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 BMW S3 should accelerate faster than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW S3 weights approximately 49 kg more than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (563 Nm) has 303 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 BMW S3. (260 Nm). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 BMW S3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW S3 | 1972 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | S3 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 7456 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1676 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2750 mm |
