2008 BMW 325 vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 BMW 325 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 325 weights approximately 18 kg more than 1996 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, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 325. (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 325. 2008 BMW 325 has automatic transmission and 1996 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1996 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 325 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 325 | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 325 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 200 HP |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.9 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1502 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 58 L |
