1995 BMW Z3 vs. 1976 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1995 BMW Z3 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Pontiac Firebird (296 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1995 BMW Z3. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1995 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 575 kg more than 1995 BMW Z3. 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, 1976 Pontiac Firebird (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 384 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 BMW Z3. (179 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1976 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW Z3 | 1976 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | Z3 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1894 cc | 7462 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 105.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 106.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 76 L |
