1970 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,792 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (536 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 378 more horse power than 1970 Pontiac Firebird. (158 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1970 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 645 kg more than 1970 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (799 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 433 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Pontiac Firebird. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Pontiac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Firebird | S |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5792 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 536 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 799 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 2230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 5250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 3165 mm |
