1977 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2002 BMW Z8
To start off, 2002 BMW Z8 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW Z8 (400 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 1977 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW Z8 should accelerate faster than 1977 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 2002 BMW Z8 (500 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Pontiac Firebird. (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2002 BMW Z8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Pontiac Firebird | 2002 BMW Z8 | |
| Make | Pontiac | BMW |
| Model | Firebird | Z8 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 4939 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 459 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2580 mm |
