2005 BMW 525 vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2005 BMW 525 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP) has 39 more horse power than 2005 BMW 525. (161 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 12 kg more than 2005 BMW 525. 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, 2005 BMW 525 (351 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 525 | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 525 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 200 HP |
| Torque | 351 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1502 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 58 L |
