2008 BMW 525 vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 BMW 525 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,698 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 2008 BMW 525. (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 66 kg more than 2008 BMW 525. 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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (461 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 525. (250 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 525 | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 525 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 5698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| 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 | 1475 kg | 1541 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2570 mm |
