1996 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 BMW Z4
To start off, 2012 BMW Z4 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW Z4 (335 HP) has 135 more horse power than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW Z4 weights approximately 108 kg more than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 2012 BMW Z4 (450 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. 2012 BMW Z4 has automatic transmission and 1996 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1996 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW Z4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Pontiac | BMW |
| Model | Firebird | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 335 HP |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1502 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4242 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1285 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2497 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 55 L |
