2004 Mercedes-Benz CL vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,013 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (190 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 391 kg more than 1985 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (325 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 1985 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1985 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL | 1985 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | CL | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 5013 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1865 kg | 1474 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 99 L | 61 L |
