2007 BMW 550 vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2007 BMW 550 is newer by 10 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 5,669 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (302 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 550 weights approximately 80 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, 2007 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (453 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. 2007 BMW 550 has automatic transmission and 1997 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1997 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 550 | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 550 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 5669 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 453 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 54 L |
