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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 318 (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 305 kg more than 2004 BMW 318.
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 (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (180 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. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2004 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2004 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 318 | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 318 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 79 L |
