2008 BMW 330 vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 BMW 330 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 330 (228 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 330 weights approximately 58 kg more than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 2008 BMW 330 (500 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 330 | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 330 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2991 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 79 L |
