2008 BMW 523 vs. 1974 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 7,467 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Pontiac Firebird (335 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 2008 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 40 kg more than 1974 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. 1974 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 523 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 523 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 1974 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 523 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 7467 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 104.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 108 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2750 mm |
