1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1979 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,731 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL (168 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 453 kg more than 1970 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, 1979 Ford Thunderbird (386 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Thunderbird | 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Thunderbird | SL |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2410 mm |
