1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 420 kg more than 1979 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
Model | SL | Firebird |
Year Released | 1998 | 1979 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4966 cc | 3790 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 302 HP | 125 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Torque | 461 Nm | 332 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 150 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1470 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2750 mm |