2009 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 377 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (133 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 131 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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 SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 607 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (223 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1985 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1985 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1985 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
Model | SL | Firebird |
Year Released | 2009 | 1985 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5513 cc | 2827 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 510 HP | 133 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
Torque | 830 Nm | 223 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 88.9 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 75.9 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1356 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4850 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1850 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1270 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2740 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 60 L |