2000 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2000 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2000 Pontiac Firebird. (148 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2000 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 413 kg more than 2000 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Pontiac Firebird. (203 Nm). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Pontiac Firebird. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2000 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 2000 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Pontiac Firebird | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Pontiac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Firebird | SL |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2391 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1347 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 80 L |
