1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 is newer by 4 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) has 11 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. (134 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 54 kg more than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. (205 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 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. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
Model | 230 | Firebird |
Year Released | 1985 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2299 cc | 5012 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 134 HP | 145 HP |
Torque | 205 Nm | 324 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 95.5 mm | 95 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 88.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1488 kg | 1542 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 5040 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2750 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 79 L |