2008 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,669 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (302 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. (221 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 75 kg more than 1997 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (453 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1997 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1997 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz C | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | C | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2987 cc | 5669 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 453 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 54 L |
