2002 BMW 318 vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2002 BMW 318 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 2,838 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (135 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2002 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 60 kg more than 2002 BMW 318. 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, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (223 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW 318. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1985 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 BMW 318 | 1985 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 318 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2838 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1302 kg | 1362 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 60 L |
