1999 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1980 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S (356 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 211 more horse power than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 309 kg more than 1980 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S (530 Nm @ 3150 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercedes-Benz S | 1980 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | S | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 356 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3150 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1905 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 76 L |
