1999 BMW Z8 vs. 1987 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1999 BMW Z8 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,939 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 BMW Z8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW Z8 (400 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 267 more horse power than 1987 Pontiac Firebird. (133 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW Z8 should accelerate faster than 1987 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 1999 BMW Z8 (500 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Pontiac Firebird. (230 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1999 BMW Z8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW Z8 | 1987 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | Z8 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4939 cc | 2825 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 75.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 60 L |
