2002 BMW 330 vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2002 BMW 330 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,353 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW 330 (201 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (146 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW 330 weights approximately 47 kg more than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 2002 BMW 330 (400 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM). This means 2002 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
2002 BMW 330 | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | BMW | Pontiac |
Model | 330 | Firebird |
Year Released | 2002 | 1996 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2979 cc | 3353 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 201 HP | 146 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
Torque | 400 Nm | 257 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 3150 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1528 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4970 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1900 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2570 mm |