2004 BMW 118 vs. 1972 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2004 BMW 118 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 118 (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 118 should accelerate faster than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 85 kg more than 2004 BMW 118.
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, 2004 BMW 118 (280 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. (237 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 118 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 118 | 1972 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 118 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.2:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 201 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 64 L |
