1997 BMW 850 vs. 1980 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 BMW 850 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 850 (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 184 more horse power than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 349 kg more than 1980 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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 1980 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 850 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2750 mm |
