1979 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 33 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 92 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. (108 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 1205 kg more than 1979 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 1979 Pontiac Firebird is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1979 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. (250 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. 1979 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2012 Mercedes-Benz A has manual transmission. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Pontiac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Firebird | A |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 459 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 181 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1625 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2570 mm |
