1979 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 294 kg more than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
Make | Pontiac | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Firebird | CLS |
Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 6547 cc | 4663 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 285 HP | 402 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 421 Nm | 600 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 1890 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4940 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1882 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1417 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2875 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 80 L |