2004 BMW 318 vs. 1977 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 126 kg more than 2004 BMW 318. 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, 2004 BMW 318 (355 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 318 | 1977 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 318 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 76 L |
