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 5,663 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. 2008 BMW 525 weights approximately 130 kg more than 2001 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. Let's talk about torque, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (461 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 525. (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 525. 2001 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. 2001 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 525 | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 525 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 5663 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 | 2750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 76 L |
