2005 BMW 318 vs. 1972 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2005 BMW 318 is newer by 33 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 6,598 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (185 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2005 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 258 kg more than 2005 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, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (434 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 233 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 318. (201 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 318. 1972 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2005 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2005 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 318 | 1972 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 318 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 6598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 201 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 110.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 218 km/hour | 182 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1653 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 76 L |
