1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1979 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 5,401 cc (8 cylinders), 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500. (180 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 821 kg more than 1979 Pontiac Firebird.
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 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500. (440 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | 500 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1944 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5401 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 5.2:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2406 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2750 mm |
