1999 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,000 cc (12 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL (621 HP) has 421 more horse power than 1999 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1999 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 740 kg more than 1999 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 CL (999 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 694 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Pontiac Firebird. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Pontiac Firebird. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 1999 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1999 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Pontiac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Firebird | CL |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 621 HP |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 999 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 2280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5105 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1427 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2954 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 90 L |
