1999 BMW 540 vs. 1976 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1999 BMW 540 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 174 more horse power than 1976 Pontiac Firebird. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1976 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 540 weights approximately 301 kg more than 1976 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, 1999 BMW 540 (439 Nm) has 202 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Pontiac Firebird. (237 Nm). This means 1999 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 540 | 1976 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 540 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 439 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1771 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2750 mm |
