2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 24 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 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK (215 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 174 kg more than 1981 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (311 Nm). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | CLK | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3196 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1716 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 79 L |
