2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 1990 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Pontiac Firebird (235 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (161 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
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, 1990 Pontiac Firebird (447 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (234 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1990 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 1990 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | SLK | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 235 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 234 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 76 L |
