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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (161 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 160 kg more than 1979 Pontiac Firebird.
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 219 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. 1979 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2006 Mercedes-Benz C has manual transmission. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C 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:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | C | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 234 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2750 mm |
