1970 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2002 BMW Z3
To start off, 2002 BMW Z3 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,792 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW Z3 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1970 Pontiac Firebird. (158 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1970 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 185 kg more than 2002 BMW Z3.
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, 1970 Pontiac Firebird (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW Z3. (301 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1970 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Pontiac Firebird | 2002 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Pontiac | BMW |
| Model | Firebird | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5792 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 301 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2450 mm |
