2009 BMW 530 vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 BMW 530 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 3,352 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 530 (254 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (146 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 248 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 (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 530 | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 530 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 3352 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 254 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 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 | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2570 mm |
