2005 BMW 330 vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2005 BMW 330 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, 2005 BMW 330 (201 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 330 weights approximately 109 kg more than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 BMW 330 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 BMW 330 will offer significantly more control. 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 @ 2000 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 330. (420 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 330.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 330 | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 330 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2983 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 234 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1616 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 79 L |
