1997 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2013 BMW X3
To start off, 2013 BMW X3 is newer by 16 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, 2013 BMW X3 (296 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (198 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW X3 weights approximately 410 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.
Because 2013 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 BMW X3 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2013 BMW X3 (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. 2013 BMW X3 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. 2013 BMW X3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Pontiac Firebird | 2013 BMW X3 | |
| Make | Pontiac | BMW |
| Model | Firebird | X3 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3785 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 198 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.2 :1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4648 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 2098 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1661 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 67 L |
