2009 Mercedes-Benz CL vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,512 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 400 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 580 kg more than 1981 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (830 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 574 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | CL | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5512 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 830 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2185 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 79 L |
