2005 BMW 318 vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2005 BMW 318 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,353 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (146 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2005 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 133 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, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 318. (201 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 318 | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 318 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3353 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 201 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3150 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2570 mm |
