2008 BMW 320 vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 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 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 320 (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 82 kg more than 2008 BMW 320.
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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 320. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 320. 2008 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 1981 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2008 BMW 320 | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | BMW | Pontiac |
Model | 320 | Firebird |
Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1995 cc | 5012 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 148 HP | 145 HP |
Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 200 Nm | 324 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 88.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.6:1 |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Top Speed | 213 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1542 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 5040 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2750 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 79 L |