2001 BMW 320 vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 BMW 320 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 2001 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 30 kg more than 2001 BMW 320. 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 320. (355 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 320 | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 320 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1595 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2750 mm |
