1989 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,013 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (190 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1989 Mercedes-Benz S. (164 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1989 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 46 kg more than 1985 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, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (325 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz S. (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1985 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mercedes-Benz S | 1985 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | S | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2599 cc | 5013 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1474 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2570 mm |
