1998 BMW Z3 vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1998 BMW Z3 is newer by 1 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 3,785 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (198 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1998 BMW Z3. (191 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 80 kg more than 1998 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 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW Z3. (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW Z3 | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | Z3 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 3785 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 191 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2570 mm |
