2008 BMW 318 vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 30 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 190 kg more than 2008 BMW 318. 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 259 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
2008 BMW 318 | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | BMW | Pontiac |
Model | 318 | Firebird |
Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1994 cc | 4942 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 141 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 200 Nm | 459 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 101.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 76.2 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 7.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Top Speed | 218 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1585 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2750 mm |