2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK (361 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 75 kg more than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
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 SLK (500 Nm) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (459 Nm). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | SLK | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 361 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 97.1 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1541 kg | 1616 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 79 L |
