2009 BMW M6 vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 BMW M6 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 4,999 cc (10 cylinders), 2009 BMW M6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M6 (500 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 302 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (198 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M6 should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M6 weights approximately 465 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 M6 (520 Nm @ 6100 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M6 | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | M6 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4999 cc | 3785 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 520 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 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 | 2005 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 76 L |
