2008 BMW 523 vs. 2001 Pontiac Trans Am
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Pontiac Trans Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Pontiac Trans Am would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Trans Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Trans Am. (153 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Trans Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Trans Am weights approximately 230 kg more than 2008 BMW 523.
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, 2001 Pontiac Trans Am (455 Nm) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm). This means 2001 Pontiac Trans Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 2001 Pontiac Trans Am | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 523 | Trans Am |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 455 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2570 mm |
