1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 6 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, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 (185 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 12 kg more than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Because 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 will offer significantly more control. 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 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. (260 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | 300 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.5 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Top Speed | 207 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 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 |
