2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,353 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (146 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano. (141 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano weights approximately 467 kg more than 1996 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano (316 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | Viano | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2148 cc | 3353 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 316 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3150 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1995 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1880 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3210 mm | 2570 mm |
