1998 BMW 318 vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP) has 60 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (140 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 187 kg more than 1998 BMW 318. 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, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318. 1998 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1996 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1996 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 318 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1893 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 200 HP |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1502 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 58 L |
