1976 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1976 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 (238 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 282 kg more than 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300.
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, 1976 Ford Thunderbird (317 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300. (272 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300. 1976 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 has manual transmission. 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Thunderbird | 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Thunderbird | 300 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 317 Nm | 272 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1338 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2410 mm |
