1943 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1943 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1943 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 5,401 cc (8 cylinders), 1943 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1943 Mercedes-Benz 500 (177 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1943 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1943 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 795 kg more than 1981 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, 1943 Mercedes-Benz 500 (440 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1943 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1943 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | 500 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1943 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5401 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 5.2:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2400 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 79 L |
