1997 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,785 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (198 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 75 kg more than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1997 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1997 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Pontiac Firebird | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
Make | Pontiac | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Firebird | SLK |
Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3785 cc | 3498 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 198 HP | 268 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 305 Nm | 350 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 92.9 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.7:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1465 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4090 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1790 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2440 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 70 L |