2002 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (275 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 270 kg more than 1979 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. (401 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | S | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4266 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 275 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1895 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2750 mm |
