2006 BMW X3 vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 BMW X3 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW X3 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW X3 weights approximately 210 kg more than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 BMW X3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 BMW X3 will offer significantly more control. 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW X3. (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW X3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW X3 | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | X3 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1979 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2978 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2750 mm |
