1996 BMW 535 vs. 1974 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1996 BMW 535 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Pontiac Firebird (296 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1996 BMW 535. (232 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 535. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 88 kg more than 1996 BMW 535. 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, 1974 Pontiac Firebird (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 243 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 535. (320 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1974 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 535.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 535 | 1974 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 535 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 7462 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1662 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2750 mm |
