2008 BMW M5 vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 BMW M5 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, 2008 BMW M5 (500 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. (310 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M5 weights approximately 280 kg more than 2001 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 M5 (520 Nm @ 6100 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. (461 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M5 | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | M5 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4999 cc | 5663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 520 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 76 L |
