1997 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2008 BMW 316
To start off, 2008 BMW 316 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,785 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (198 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 2008 BMW 316. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 130 kg more than 2008 BMW 316. 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 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 316. (176 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 316. 2008 BMW 316 has automatic transmission and 1997 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1997 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 316 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Pontiac Firebird | 2008 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Pontiac | BMW |
| Model | Firebird | 316 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3785 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 198 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 63 L |
