1998 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2006 BMW 523
To start off, 2006 BMW 523 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,353 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 523 (175 HP) has 28 more horse power than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. (147 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1998 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 1998 Pontiac Firebird (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 523. 2006 BMW 523 has automatic transmission and 1998 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1998 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 BMW 523 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Pontiac Firebird | 2006 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Pontiac | BMW |
| Model | Firebird | 523 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3353 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 147 HP | 175 HP |
| Torque | 257 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3150 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| 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 | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2840 mm |
