2007 BMW Z4 vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2007 BMW Z4 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW Z4 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 108 kg more than 2007 BMW Z4.
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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW Z4. (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW Z4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW Z4 | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | Z4 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 240 km/hour | 150 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1362 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1310 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2750 mm |
