1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 1971 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1971 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 7,467 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Pontiac Firebird (335 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300. (172 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 330 kg more than 1971 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. 1971 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 has manual transmission. 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 1971 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | 300 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 7467 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 104.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 108 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1780 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2750 mm |
