2001 BMW M vs. 1971 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 BMW M is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW M (320 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1971 Pontiac Firebird. (296 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW M should accelerate faster than 1971 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 375 kg more than 2001 BMW M.
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, 1971 Pontiac Firebird (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 218 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW M. (345 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1971 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW M.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW M | 1971 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | M | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 7462 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 345 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 76 L |
