2003 BMW 645 vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2003 BMW 645 is newer by 22 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 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 645 (310 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 645 should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 645 weights approximately 156 kg more than 1981 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, 2003 BMW 645 (450 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 645 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. 2003 BMW 645 has automatic transmission and 1981 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 BMW 645 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 645 | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 645 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1698 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 79 L |
