1995 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1995 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1995 Mercedes-Benz S. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1995 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 294 kg more than 1978 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Mercedes-Benz S. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Mercedes-Benz S | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | S | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2797 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.5 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 76 L |
