1997 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 5,665 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. (325 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 169 kg more than 2001 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E (531 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. (475 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 2001 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 2001 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercedes-Benz E | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | E | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 5665 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 349 HP | 325 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 531 Nm | 475 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1541 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 54 L |
