1995 BMW S3 vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 BMW S3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 BMW S3 would be higher. At 3,353 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 BMW S3 (338 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (146 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 BMW S3 should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW S3 weights approximately 197 kg more than 1997 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, 1995 BMW S3 (260 Nm) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (257 Nm). This means 1995 BMW S3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW S3 | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | S3 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 3353 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2570 mm |
