1984 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1984 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Mercedes-Benz S (201 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1978 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Mercedes-Benz S. (315 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Mercedes-Benz S | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | S | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3837 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2750 mm |
