2009 BMW 740 vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 BMW 740 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 3,998 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 740 (302 HP) has 104 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (198 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 740 weights approximately 445 kg more than 1997 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 740 (390 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. 2009 BMW 740 has automatic transmission and 1997 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1997 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 740 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 740 | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 740 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3998 cc | 3785 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 198 HP |
| Torque | 390 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1985 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3140 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 76 L |
