1986 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1967 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1986 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1967 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1967 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,306 cc (6 cylinders), 1967 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ford Thunderbird (162 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1967 Mercedes-Benz SL. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1967 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 78 kg more than 1967 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 1986 Ford Thunderbird (241 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1967 Mercedes-Benz SL. (196 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1967 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Thunderbird | 1967 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Thunderbird | SL |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1967 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2299 cc | 2306 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 162 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1378 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 65 L |
