2008 BMW 320 vs. 1972 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 is newer by 36 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 7,456 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (301 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 2008 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 320 weights approximately 4 kg more than 1972 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 233 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 320. (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 320 | 1972 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 320 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 7456 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 105.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 106.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 1676 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 64 L |
