2002 BMW 330 vs. 1971 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2002 BMW 330 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Pontiac Firebird (296 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 2002 BMW 330. (201 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 135 kg more than 2002 BMW 330. 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, 1971 Pontiac Firebird (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW 330. (410 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1971 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW 330.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 BMW 330 | 1971 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 330 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 7462 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 105.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 106.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 76 L |
