1997 BMW S3 vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 BMW S3 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1997 BMW S3. (260 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW S3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 228 kg more than 1997 BMW S3. 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW S3. (330 Nm). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW S3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW S3 | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | S3 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2750 mm |
