1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 1972 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1972 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 5,401 cc (8 cylinders), 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 (177 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 930 kg more than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 (432 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. (237 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 1972 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | 500 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1942 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5401 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 432 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2400 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 64 L |
