1976 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (157 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 10 kg more than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S.
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 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
1976 Ford Thunderbird | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Thunderbird | S |
Year Released | 1976 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2746 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 135 HP | 157 HP |
Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 317 Nm | 223 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 8.7:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1610 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4740 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1880 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2870 mm |