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 3,785 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (198 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 135 kg more than 1997 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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. 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 | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 3785 cc |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.1 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.1 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.1:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | 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 | 1640 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 58 L |
