2009 BMW 120 vs. 1988 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 2,827 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1988 Pontiac Firebird. (133 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1988 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, 2009 BMW 120 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Pontiac Firebird. (224 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1988 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 120 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2827 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 75.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 60 L |
