2009 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1998 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 11 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 3,352 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (181 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. (146 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 1302 kg more than 1998 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, 1998 Pontiac Firebird (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. (240 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1998 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1998 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1998 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | 1998 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | C | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3352 cc |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3150 RPM |
| 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 | 2830 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2570 mm |
