2008 BMW X3 vs. 1980 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 BMW X3 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2008 BMW X3. (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW X3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW X3 weights approximately 155 kg more than 1980 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, 1980 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 214 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW X3. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW X3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW X3 | 1980 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | X3 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1980 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 213 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2750 mm |
