1982 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 16 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 52 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 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (185 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. 1982 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK has manual transmission. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Thunderbird | CLK |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.6 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1448 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 69 L |
