2009 BMW 650 vs. 1973 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 BMW 650 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 650 (361 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. (285 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 650 should accelerate faster than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 71 kg more than 2009 BMW 650.
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 650 (488 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 650 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 650 | 1973 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 650 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 361 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 76 L |
