2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 1973 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,207 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS (507 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 399 more horse power than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 435 kg more than 1973 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 CLS (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 393 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. (237 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 1973 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | CLS | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6207 cc | 4092 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 507 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 630 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1905 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2750 mm |
