1999 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,700 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1999 Pontiac Firebird. (148 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1999 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 204 kg more than 1999 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 Pontiac Firebird (454 Nm) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 520. (270 Nm). This means 1999 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 520. 2012 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1999 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1999 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Pontiac | BMW |
| Model | Firebird | 520 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5700 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 454 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1586 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1900 mm | 1462 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
