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 5,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. (310 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 420 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 148 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. (461 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. 2001 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2011 BMW 550 has manual transmission. 2011 BMW 550 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Pontiac Firebird 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 | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5663 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1463 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2969 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 70 L |
