1971 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E 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 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E (302 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1971 Pontiac Firebird. (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1971 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 209 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.
Because 2011 Mercedes-Benz E is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E will offer significantly more control. 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, 1971 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mercedes-Benz E. (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1971 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Pontiac Firebird | 2011 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Pontiac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Firebird | E |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6547 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 285 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 421 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 1805 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 80 L |
