2009 BMW 650 vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 BMW 650 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 650 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 650 should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 245 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 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 650 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 650 | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 650 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4797 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1585 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 |
