2009 BMW Z4 vs. 1998 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 BMW Z4 is newer by 11 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 3,353 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW Z4 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. (147 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 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 238 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, 1998 Pontiac Firebird (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW Z4. (250 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1998 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW Z4. 2009 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. 2009 BMW Z4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2009 BMW Z4 | 1998 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | BMW | Pontiac |
Model | Z4 | Firebird |
Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2494 cc | 3353 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 215 HP | 147 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
Torque | 250 Nm | 257 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 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 | 1290 kg | 1528 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4920 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1900 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1310 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2570 mm |