2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK (362 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 130 kg more than 1978 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK (510 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | CLK | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | 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 | 362 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| 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 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2750 mm |
