1997 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 15 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 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 256 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (146 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 362 kg more than 1997 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 343 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Pontiac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Firebird | CLS |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3352 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 257 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3150 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1528 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2875 mm |
