1958 Mercedes-Benz SC vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1978 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Mercedes-Benz SC. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Mercedes-Benz SC would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 1958 Mercedes-Benz SC. (105 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1958 Mercedes-Benz SC. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 186 kg more than 1958 Mercedes-Benz SC. 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 249 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Mercedes-Benz SC. (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Mercedes-Benz SC.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Mercedes-Benz SC | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | SC | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2194 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2750 mm |
