2005 BMW 325 vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2005 BMW 325 is newer by 24 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2005 BMW 325. (181 HP @ 7400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 166 kg more than 2005 BMW 325. 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 (459 Nm) has 222 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 325. (237 Nm). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 325.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 325 | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 325 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1616 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 79 L |
