2009 BMW 630 vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 BMW 630 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 630 (268 HP) has 68 more horse power than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 630 should accelerate faster than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 630 weights approximately 106 kg more than 1996 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 630 (320 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 630 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 630 | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 630 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 200 HP |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1608 kg | 1502 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 58 L |
