2003 BMW M3 vs. 1974 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1974 Pontiac Firebird. (285 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1974 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 211 kg more than 2003 BMW M3.
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, 1974 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW M3. (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1974 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
2003 BMW M3 | 1974 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | BMW | Pontiac |
Model | M3 | Firebird |
Year Released | 2003 | 1974 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3168 cc | 6547 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 342 HP | 285 HP |
Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 350 Nm | 421 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 104.7 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 95.3 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1596 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2750 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 76 L |