2002 BMW 330 vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2002 BMW 330 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW 330 (201 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 1 kg more than 2002 BMW 330.
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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW 330. (410 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW 330. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2002 BMW 330 has manual transmission. 2002 BMW 330 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 BMW 330 | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 330 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1616 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 79 L |
