1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 1970 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Pontiac Firebird (173 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 326 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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, 1970 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 231 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1970 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 1970 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | SLK | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 76 L |
