1979 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz C. (156 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercedes-Benz C.
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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mercedes-Benz C. (250 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Pontiac Firebird | 2011 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Pontiac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Firebird | C |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 459 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2760 mm |
