2009 BMW Z4 vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 BMW Z4 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW Z4 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 263 kg more than 2009 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW Z4. (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW Z4. 1979 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW Z4 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW Z4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2009 BMW Z4 | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | BMW | Pontiac |
Model | Z4 | Firebird |
Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2497 cc | 4942 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 215 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 250 Nm | 459 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 101.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 76.2 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Top Speed | 240 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1362 kg | 1625 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 5010 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1310 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2750 mm |