1971 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (454 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1971 Pontiac Firebird. (296 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1971 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 45 kg more than 1971 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (600 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Pontiac Firebird. (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Pontiac Firebird | 2011 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Pontiac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Firebird | C |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7462 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 454 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 563 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1795 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 66 L |
