2009 BMW 525 vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 BMW 525 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. (198 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 525 weights approximately 34 kg more than 2001 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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 525. (250 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 525. 2009 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 2001 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 2001 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 525 | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 525 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 58 L |
