1972 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 BMW Z4
To start off, 2012 BMW Z4 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 7,456 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (301 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2012 BMW Z4. (255 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 201 kg more than 2012 BMW Z4. 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, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 265 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW Z4. (298 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW Z4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Pontiac | BMW |
| Model | Firebird | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7456 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 563 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1676 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2497 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 55 L |
