1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 1972 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,598 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 (326 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. (185 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 359 kg more than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 (480 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. (434 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 1972 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | 500 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4971 cc | 6598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 326 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 480 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 110.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.9:1 |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 182 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2012 kg | 1653 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5220 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3150 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 76 L |
