1996 BMW 540 vs. 2000 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2000 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 540 would be higher. At 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 2000 Pontiac Firebird. (197 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2000 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 310 kg more than 2000 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Pontiac Firebird. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2000 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 540 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 3784 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 58 L |
