1995 BMW S3 vs. 1981 Pontiac 1000
To start off, 1995 BMW S3 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Pontiac 1000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Pontiac 1000 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 BMW S3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 BMW S3 (338 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 274 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac 1000. (64 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 BMW S3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac 1000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW S3 weights approximately 765 kg more than 1981 Pontiac 1000. 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, 1995 BMW S3 (260 Nm) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac 1000. (109 Nm). This means 1995 BMW S3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac 1000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW S3 | 1981 Pontiac 1000 | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | S3 | 1000 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2400 mm |
