2001 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2011 BMW 550
To start off, 2011 BMW 550 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 203 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 550 weights approximately 440 kg more than 2001 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, 2011 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 304 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. 2011 BMW 550 has automatic transmission and 2001 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 2001 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Pontiac Firebird | 2011 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Pontiac | BMW |
| Model | Firebird | 550 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3783 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 70 L |
