2005 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E 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 E (221 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 243 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 @ 2400 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E. (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 1981 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz E | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | E | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3199 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 233 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 79 L |
