2006 BMW 325 vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 BMW 325 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 3,785 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (198 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2006 BMW 325. (184 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 325 weights approximately 110 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 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 325. (237 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 325.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 325 | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 325 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2491 cc | 3785 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 184 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 58 L |
