2001 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,698 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 395 kg more than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will offer significantly more control. 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 CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. (461 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 2001 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 2001 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Pontiac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Firebird | CLS |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5698 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1541 kg | 1936 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2875 mm |
