2006 BMW X3 vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 BMW X3 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,353 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW X3 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (146 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW X3 weights approximately 307 kg more than 1996 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 1996 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, 2006 BMW X3 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM). This means 2006 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW X3 | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | X3 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2978 cc | 3353 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3150 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2570 mm |
