1982 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1975 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1982 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Mercedes-Benz S (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 162 kg more than 1982 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, 1982 Ford Thunderbird (252 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Mercedes-Benz S. (227 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Thunderbird | 1975 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Thunderbird | S |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 227 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1448 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 85 L |
