1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz B
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz B 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 9 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz B. (136 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz B.
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 B, 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 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz B. (300 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz B.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Mercedes-Benz B | |
| Make | Pontiac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Firebird | B |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 160 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4359 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1557 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2699 mm |
