2009 BMW X3 vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 BMW X3 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,013 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW X3 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (190 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW X3 weights approximately 362 kg more than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW X3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 BMW X3 will offer significantly more control. 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, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (325 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW X3. (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1985 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW X3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW X3 | 1985 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | X3 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1985 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 5013 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1836 kg | 1474 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 61 L |
