1997 BMW 850 vs. 1987 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 BMW 850 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 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 196 more horse power than 1987 Pontiac Firebird. (133 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1987 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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Pontiac Firebird. (230 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 1987 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 850 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 2825 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 75.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2580 mm |
