2004 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz E. (168 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 44 kg more than 2004 Mercedes-Benz E. 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz E. (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz E. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2004 Mercedes-Benz E has manual transmission. 2004 Mercedes-Benz E will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz E | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | E | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1572 kg | 1616 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 79 L |
