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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (118 HP @ 4000 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. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 337 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (252 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Ford Thunderbird.
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 | 3791 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.6 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 11.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1448 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
