1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 31 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 11 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. (134 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 317 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. (185 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Mercedes-Benz A | |
Make | Pontiac | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Firebird | A |
Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5012 cc | 2034 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 145 HP | 134 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
Torque | 324 Nm | 185 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 11.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Top Speed | 160 km/hour | 195 km/hour |
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 | 1225 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 3840 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1600 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2570 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 60 L |