2008 BMW Z4 vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 BMW Z4 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW Z4 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 315 kg more than 2008 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (256 Nm) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW Z4. (250 Nm). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW Z4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW Z4 | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | Z4 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 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 | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 149 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 79 L |
