2007 BMW X3 vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2007 BMW X3 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW X3 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW X3 weights approximately 508 kg more than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 BMW X3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW X3. (301 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW X3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW X3 | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | X3 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1978 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 301 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2104 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1880 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 76 L |
