1982 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (415 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 247 more horse power than 1982 Pontiac Firebird. (168 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1982 Pontiac Firebird.
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 SLK (539 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 201 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Pontiac Firebird. (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Pontiac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Firebird | SLK |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4997 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 415 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 539 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4102 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1793 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2431 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
