2004 BMW 318 vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 23 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 152 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
2004 BMW 318 | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | BMW | Pontiac |
Model | 318 | Firebird |
Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 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 | 5750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 175 Nm | 324 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 88.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1542 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5040 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2750 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 79 L |