2001 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 12 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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 2013 BMW 3 Series. (238 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2013 BMW 3 Series. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 102 kg more 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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (461 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 BMW 3 Series. (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 BMW 3 Series.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Pontiac Firebird | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Pontiac | BMW |
| Model | Firebird | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5663 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.2 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1528 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4636 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 2031 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 60 L |
