2005 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1980 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (175 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 84 kg more than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will offer significantly more control. 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, 1980 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1980 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | 1980 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | C | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2685 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.2 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 219 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 76 L |
