2009 Mercedes-Benz A vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,700 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (158 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz A. (81 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 270 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Pontiac Firebird is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz A, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercedes-Benz A. (180 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz A | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | A | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 5700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1326 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3840 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 76 L |
