1978 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (302 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 146 kg more than 1978 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 C (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Pontiac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Firebird | C |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1616 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2760 mm |
