2000 BMW Z3 vs. 1971 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2000 BMW Z3 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Pontiac Firebird (296 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2000 BMW Z3. (227 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2000 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 390 kg more than 2000 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, 1971 Pontiac Firebird (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 263 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 BMW Z3. (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1971 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 BMW Z3 | 1971 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | Z3 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 7462 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 105.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 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 | 1360 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 76 L |
