2001 BMW Compact vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 BMW Compact 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW Compact (193 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW Compact should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 25 kg more than 2001 BMW Compact.
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 (332 Nm) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW Compact. (237 Nm). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW Compact. 1979 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2001 BMW Compact has manual transmission. 2001 BMW Compact will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW Compact | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | Compact | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2501 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 193 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 79 L |
