2006 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 27 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 90 kg more than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C.
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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | C | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.1:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 243 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2750 mm |
