2008 BMW X5 vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 BMW X5 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,398 cc, 2008 BMW X5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW X5 (328 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 193 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (135 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW X5 should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW X5 weights approximately 829 kg more than 1985 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 X5 (440 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (223 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 BMW X5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. 2008 BMW X5 has automatic transmission and 1985 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1985 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW X5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW X5 | 1985 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | X5 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1985 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2838 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 229 km/hour | 178 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2191 kg | 1362 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 60 L |
