2009 BMW M3 vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. (310 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 230 kg more than 2009 BMW M3.
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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (461 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW M3. (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW M3. 2001 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | M3 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 5663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 76 L |
