2000 BMW Z3 vs. 1982 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2000 BMW Z3 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 2,838 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 BMW Z3 (190 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1982 Pontiac Firebird. (106 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1982 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 21 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, 2000 BMW Z3 (237 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Pontiac Firebird. (196 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2000 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 BMW Z3 | 1982 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | Z3 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2489 cc | 2838 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74.9 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| 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 | 1315 kg | 1336 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 60 L |
