2008 BMW 328 vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 BMW 328 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 328 (230 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 328 should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 24 kg more than 2008 BMW 328.
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 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 328. (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 328.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 328 | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 328 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1518 kg | 1542 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 |
