1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 28 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 6,208 cc, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK (877 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 742 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 65 kg more than 1979 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK (630 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (386 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Thunderbird | 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Thunderbird | CLK |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 6208 cc |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 877 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 102.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 170 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 1878 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 62 L |
