2008 BMW Z4 vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 BMW Z4 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 2,838 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW Z4 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (135 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 2 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, 2008 BMW Z4 (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (223 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW Z4 | 1985 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | Z4 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 2838 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 240 km/hour | 178 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1362 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
