1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 would be higher. At 5,698 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260. (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 119 kg more than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260. 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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (461 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 233 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260. (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 has automatic transmission and 2001 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 2001 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | 260 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2599 cc | 5698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.9 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1422 kg | 1541 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2570 mm |
