2001 Pontiac Vibe vs. 2006 BMW 530
To start off, 2006 BMW 530 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Pontiac Vibe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Pontiac Vibe would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 530 (216 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Vibe. (148 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Vibe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 530 weights approximately 558 kg more than 2001 Pontiac Vibe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 BMW 530 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2006 BMW 530. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Vibe, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2006 BMW 530 (500 Nm) has 323 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Pontiac Vibe. (177 Nm). This means 2006 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Pontiac Vibe. 2006 BMW 530 has automatic transmission and 2001 Pontiac Vibe has manual transmission. 2001 Pontiac Vibe will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 BMW 530 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Pontiac Vibe | 2006 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Pontiac | BMW |
| Model | Vibe | 530 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1800 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 216 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1202 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2890 mm |
