2001 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 BMW 525
To start off, 2012 BMW 525 is newer by 11 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 525 (217 HP) has 17 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 2012 BMW 525 (450 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Pontiac | BMW |
| Model | Firebird | 525 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 217 HP |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2968 mm |
