2000 BMW 325 vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2000 BMW 325 is newer by 19 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 BMW 325 (168 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 63 kg more than 2000 BMW 325.
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 (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 BMW 325. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 BMW 325. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2000 BMW 325 has manual transmission. 2000 BMW 325 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 BMW 325 | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 325 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 79 L |
