1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz V
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz V is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1999 Mercedes-Benz V. (139 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercedes-Benz V. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz V weights approximately 458 kg more than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 1981 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 1981 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz V, 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercedes-Benz V. (210 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercedes-Benz V. 1999 Mercedes-Benz V has automatic transmission and 1981 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercedes-Benz V will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 1999 Mercedes-Benz V | |
| Make | Pontiac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Firebird | V |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 2295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 2000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 3010 mm |
