2008 BMW 525 vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 BMW 525 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 525 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 525 weights approximately 145 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 525 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2008 BMW 525 | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | BMW | Pontiac |
Model | 525 | Firebird |
Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2495 cc | 3790 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 175 HP | 110 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 400 Nm | 256 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 96.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 75.1 mm | 86.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 149 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1605 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5040 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2750 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 79 L |