2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 25 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 170 kg more than 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK.
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 (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | CLK | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92.9 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 149 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1435 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 79 L |
