1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 vs. 1976 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP) has 151 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. (134 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 236 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. 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, 1976 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. (205 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1976 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 | 1976 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | 230 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2298 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 285 HP |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.5 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 76 L |
