2007 BMW M3 vs. 1972 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2007 BMW M3 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 230 more horse power than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW M3 weights approximately 185 kg more than 1972 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 M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. (237 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2007 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW M3 | 1972 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | M3 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 64 L |
