1997 BMW M3 vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 BMW M3 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 305 kg more than 1997 BMW M3.
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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (332 Nm) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW M3. (236 Nm). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW M3. 1979 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1997 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1997 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 BMW M3 | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | BMW | Pontiac |
Model | M3 | Firebird |
Year Released | 1997 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3201 cc | 3790 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 240 HP | 125 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Torque | 236 Nm | 332 Nm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 8.4:1 |
Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 150 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1605 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5040 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2750 mm |