2008 BMW 535 vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 BMW 535 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 535 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 181 kg more than 2008 BMW 535.
Because 2008 BMW 535 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 BMW 535 will offer significantly more control. 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 535 (408 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 535 | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 535 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 408 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1415 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 76 L |
