1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 vs. 2001 Pontiac Bonneville
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Bonneville is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Bonneville is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Bonneville (148 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. (109 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Bonneville should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 9 kg more than 2001 Pontiac Bonneville.
Because 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Bonneville, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2001 Pontiac Bonneville (380 Nm) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. (185 Nm). This means 2001 Pontiac Bonneville will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. 2001 Pontiac Bonneville has automatic transmission and 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 has manual transmission. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Pontiac Bonneville will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 | 2001 Pontiac Bonneville | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | 230 | Bonneville |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2307 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1347 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 66 L |
