2008 BMW 318 vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 318 (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 25 kg more than 2008 BMW 318.
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, 2008 BMW 318 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2008 BMW 318 | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | BMW | Pontiac |
Model | 318 | Firebird |
Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3790 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 120 HP | 110 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 280 Nm | 256 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1600 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Top Speed | 199 km/hour | 149 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1605 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 5040 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2750 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 79 L |