1976 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320
To start off, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 is newer by 17 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, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 (220 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 weights approximately 30 kg more than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. 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, 1976 Ford Thunderbird (317 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320. (310 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320. 1976 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 has manual transmission. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 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 | 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Thunderbird | 320 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 220 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 317 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2680 mm |
