1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S (148 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S weights approximately 198 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. (230 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | 300S | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.8:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 79 L |
