1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 20 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK (161 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 315 kg more than 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (234 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Pontiac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Firebird | SLK |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 256 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 70 L |
