1982 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 24 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 4,186 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (141 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (111 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 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 52 kg more than 2006 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 (264 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (220 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Thunderbird | 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Thunderbird | C |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4186 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 216 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1577 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 62 L |
