1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C30
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C30 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 5,731 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C30 (227 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C30 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 253 kg more than 2002 Mercedes-Benz C30.
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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C30 (540 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (386 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz C30 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Thunderbird | 2002 Mercedes-Benz C30 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Thunderbird | C30 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 2950 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 170 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 62 L |
