1997 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2001 BMW Z3
To start off, 2001 BMW Z3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,669 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (302 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2001 BMW Z3. (228 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 180 kg more than 2001 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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (453 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW Z3. (301 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW Z3. 2001 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 1997 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1997 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Pontiac Firebird | 2001 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Pontiac | BMW |
| Model | Firebird | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5669 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 453 Nm | 301 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 51 L |
