1982 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 25 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK (228 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (111 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Thunderbird.
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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK (300 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (264 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. 1982 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK has manual transmission. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Thunderbird | SLK |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4186 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
