2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 24 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 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (94 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 161 kg more than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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 (421 Nm) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (271 Nm). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | SLK | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2297 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1435 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 76 L |
