2009 BMW 320 vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 BMW 320 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 320 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 80 kg more than 2009 BMW 320.
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 320 (351 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 320 | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 320 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 351 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 150 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 79 L |
