2006 Mercedes-Benz GL vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (257 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL. (221 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL weights approximately 919 kg more than 1996 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL will offer significantly more control. 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 GL (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (420 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | GL | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2987 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2454 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2570 mm |
