2006 BMW 118 vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 BMW 118 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,747 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (305 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 178 more horse power than 2006 BMW 118. (127 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 118 weights approximately 166 kg more than 1997 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (454 Nm) has 274 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 118. (180 Nm). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 118. 2006 BMW 118 has automatic transmission and 1997 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1997 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 BMW 118 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 118 | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 118 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 5747 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 454 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1836 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2810 mm |
