2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 12 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 96 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (161 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 145 kg more than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (420 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 1996 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK has manual transmission. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | SLK | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2570 mm |
