1982 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 27 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (111 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 251 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz E.
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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (264 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Thunderbird | 2009 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Thunderbird | E |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4186 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 92.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1577 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
