2007 BMW Z4 vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2007 BMW Z4 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,785 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW Z4 (335 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (198 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 230 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, 2007 BMW Z4 (315 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. 2007 BMW Z4 has automatic transmission and 1997 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1997 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 BMW Z4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW Z4 | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | Z4 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 3785 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 335 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 76 L |
