1982 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C (151 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 83 kg more than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C.
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 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. (220 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. 1982 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1996 Mercedes-Benz C has manual transmission. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Thunderbird | 1996 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Thunderbird | C |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 151 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.6 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1448 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 62 L |
