2008 BMW M3 vs. 1998 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,353 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. (147 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 127 kg more than 1998 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 M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
2008 BMW M3 | 1998 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | BMW | Pontiac |
Model | M3 | Firebird |
Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3246 cc | 3353 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 338 HP | 147 HP |
Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4600 RPM |
Torque | 365 Nm | 257 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3150 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1528 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4920 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1900 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1310 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2570 mm |