1998 BMW 317 vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1998 BMW 317 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1998 BMW 317. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 317. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 187 kg more than 1998 BMW 317. 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 317. (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 317.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 317 | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 317 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1665 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2750 mm |
