2006 BMW M3 vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP) has 138 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 19 kg more than 2001 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 2001 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 2001 Pontiac Firebird. 2001 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | M3 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 200 HP |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1549 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2570 mm |
