2009 BMW 530 vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 BMW 530 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 530 (216 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 285 kg more than 2009 BMW 530.
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 530 (480 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 530 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 530 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 530 | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 530 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 216 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 480 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 244 km/hour | 149 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 79 L |
