1999 BMW 330 vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1999 BMW 330 is newer by 18 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, 1999 BMW 330 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 330 weights approximately 33 kg more than 1981 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 BMW 330. (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 BMW 330.
Compare all specifications:
1999 BMW 330 | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | BMW | Pontiac |
Model | 330 | Firebird |
Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2977 cc | 5012 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 228 HP | 145 HP |
Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 300 Nm | 324 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 88.4 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1575 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 |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 79 L |