2000 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,665 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (325 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL. (217 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 227 kg more than 2001 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (475 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL. (316 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL. 2001 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | SL | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3199 cc | 5665 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 325 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 316 Nm | 475 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2570 mm |
