2001 BMW 318 vs. 1976 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 BMW 318 is newer by 25 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 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW 318 (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1976 Pontiac Firebird. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1976 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 170 kg more than 2001 BMW 318.
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, 1976 Pontiac Firebird (237 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 318. (167 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1976 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 318 | 1976 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 318 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2750 mm |
