2001 BMW M3 vs. 1980 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 BMW M3 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW M3 (326 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW M3 weights approximately 59 kg more than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. 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 M3 (355 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2001 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
2001 BMW M3 | 1980 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | BMW | Pontiac |
Model | M3 | Firebird |
Year Released | 2001 | 1980 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3246 cc | 5012 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 326 HP | 145 HP |
Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 355 Nm | 324 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 95 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 88.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 8.6:1 |
Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1596 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2750 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 76 L |