1996 BMW 540 vs. 1970 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 7,467 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Pontiac Firebird (335 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 365 kg more than 1970 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. 1970 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 540 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 540 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1970 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1970 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 540 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 7467 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 104.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 108 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2750 mm |
