2009 BMW 523 vs. 1999 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 BMW 523 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,700 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1999 Pontiac Firebird. (148 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1999 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 96 kg more than 2009 BMW 523.
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, 1999 Pontiac Firebird (454 Nm) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 523. (230 Nm). This means 1999 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 | 1999 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 523 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 5700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 454 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1586 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 54 L |
