2000 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2000 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Mercedes-Benz C (160 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 130 kg more than 2000 Mercedes-Benz C.
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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Mercedes-Benz C. (230 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Mercedes-Benz C | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | C | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 223 km/hour | 149 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 79 L |
