1970 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1979 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL (168 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 245 kg more than 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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 (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | SL | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2778 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2750 mm |
