2008 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 1998 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,353 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Pontiac Firebird (147 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz E. (120 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 72 kg more than 1998 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 E (271 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz E | 1998 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | E | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2148 cc | 3353 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 147 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 3150 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2570 mm |
