2006 BMW M3 vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 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, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (198 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 115 kg more than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 2006 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
2006 BMW M3 | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | BMW | Pontiac |
Model | M3 | Firebird |
Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3244 cc | 3785 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 338 HP | 198 HP |
Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 365 Nm | 305 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 96.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 86.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1540 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4920 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1900 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1320 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2570 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 76 L |