1997 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2011 BMW 325
To start off, 2011 BMW 325 is newer by 14 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, 2011 BMW 325 (215 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (198 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 325 weights approximately 40 kg more than 1997 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 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 325. (271 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 325.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Pontiac Firebird | 2011 BMW 325 | |
| Make | Pontiac | BMW |
| Model | Firebird | 325 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3785 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 198 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 63 L |
