2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK (221 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 125 kg more than 1979 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK (510 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. 1979 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK has manual transmission. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | CLK | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2987 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.5:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 246 km/hour | 150 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 79 L |
