1996 BMW 523 vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 523. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 523 would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (198 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1996 BMW 523. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 523 weights approximately 84 kg more than 2001 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 523. (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 523 | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 523 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1545 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 58 L |
