1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 3,785 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (198 HP) has 64 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. (134 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 180 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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. (205 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 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 | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | 230 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2298 cc | 3785 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 198 HP |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.5 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 76 L |
