1983 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP) has 268 more horse power than 1983 Pontiac Firebird. (134 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1983 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 CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 377 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Pontiac Firebird. (223 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Pontiac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Firebird | CLS |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2827 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 402 HP |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 80 L |
