1989 BMW Z1 vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1989 BMW Z1 is newer by 4 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, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (190 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1989 BMW Z1. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1989 BMW Z1. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 224 kg more than 1989 BMW Z1. 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, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (325 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 BMW Z1. (231 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1985 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 BMW Z1.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW Z1 | 1985 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | Z1 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 5013 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1474 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2570 mm |
