2009 BMW Z4 vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 BMW Z4 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW Z4 (215 HP) has 15 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 240 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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW Z4. (250 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW Z4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW Z4 | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | Z4 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 200 HP |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1530 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 |
