2009 BMW 550 vs. 1976 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,792 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 204 more horse power than 1976 Pontiac Firebird. (158 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1976 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 77 kg more than 1976 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, 2009 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Pontiac Firebird. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 550 | 1976 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 550 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 5792 cc |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1662 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2750 mm |
