2000 BMW 320 vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2000 BMW 320 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 BMW 320 (170 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 5 kg more than 2000 BMW 320.
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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 BMW 320 | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 320 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 150 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2750 mm |
