2000 BMW Z3 vs. 1980 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2000 BMW Z3 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 BMW Z3 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 196 kg more than 2000 BMW Z3.
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, 1980 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 BMW Z3. (301 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 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 | 1980 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | Z3 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 301 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 236 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4880 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 |
