2004 Mercedes-Benz CL vs. 1974 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1974 Pontiac Firebird. (296 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1974 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 115 kg more than 1974 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, 1974 Pontiac Firebird (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL. (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1974 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL | 1974 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | CL | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 7462 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 105.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 106.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1865 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 99 L | 76 L |
