2003 BMW 520 vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2003 BMW 520 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 74 kg more than 1979 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 520 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2170 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 76 L |
