2009 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird

To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E 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 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 216 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz E.

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 E (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 1981 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2009 Mercedes-Benz E 1981 Pontiac Firebird
Make Mercedes-Benz Pontiac
Model E Firebird
Year Released 2009 1981
Body Type Sedan Coupe
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 3498 cc 5012 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 8 cylinders
Engine Type V V
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 2 valves
Horse Power 268 HP 145 HP
Engine RPM 6000 RPM 3800 RPM
Torque 350 Nm 324 Nm
Torque RPM 2400 RPM 2400 RPM
Engine Bore Size 92.9 mm 95 mm
Engine Stroke Size 86 mm 88.4 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 10.7:1 8.6:1
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Top Speed 250 km/hour 160 km/hour
Drive Type Rear Rear
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 4 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1326 kg 1542 kg
Vehicle Length 4870 mm 5040 mm
Vehicle Width 1490 mm 1860 mm
Vehicle Height 1830 mm 1260 mm
Wheelbase Size 2860 mm 2750 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 80 L 79 L


 

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