1996 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (203 HP) has 3 more horse power than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1996 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1996 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1996 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Pontiac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Firebird | C |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 203 HP |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 66 L |
