2001 BMW 320 vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 BMW 320 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,013 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (190 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2001 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 4 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, 2001 BMW 320 (355 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (325 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 320 | 1985 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 320 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 5013 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1474 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 61 L |
