2008 BMW 320 vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 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 32 more horse power than 2008 BMW 320. (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 80 kg more than 2008 BMW 320. 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 249 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 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 | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | BMW | Pontiac |
Model | 320 | Firebird |
Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2171 cc | 4942 cc |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 168 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 210 Nm | 459 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 101.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 76.2 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 7.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1585 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2750 mm |