1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1996 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (257 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. (215 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 61 kg more than 1996 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (420 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
Model | 380 | Firebird |
Year Released | 1979 | 1996 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3818 cc | 5733 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 215 HP | 257 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 305 Nm | 420 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 1535 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4920 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1900 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1310 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2570 mm |