2009 BMW 523 vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 BMW 523 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,353 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (146 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 523 weights approximately 37 kg more than 1997 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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
2009 BMW 523 | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | BMW | Pontiac |
Model | 523 | Firebird |
Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2497 cc | 3353 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 175 HP | 146 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
Torque | 230 Nm | 257 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3150 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1528 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4920 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1900 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1320 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2570 mm |