2008 BMW Z4 vs. 1998 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 BMW Z4 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,352 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW Z4 (328 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. (146 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 218 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 (315 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM). This means 2008 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. 2008 BMW Z4 has automatic transmission and 1998 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1998 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW Z4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW Z4 | 1998 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | Z4 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 3352 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3150 RPM |
| 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 | 1528 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 |
