2006 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (617 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 484 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (133 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren weights approximately 412 kg more than 1985 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 SLR McLaren (780 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 557 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (223 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren has automatic transmission and 1985 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1985 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren | 1985 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | SLR McLaren | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 2827 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 617 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 780 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 75.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 334 km/hour | 161 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1768 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 60 L |
