1986 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 2,299 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1986 Ford Thunderbird. (162 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 53 kg more than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK (280 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Thunderbird. (241 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Thunderbird | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Thunderbird | SLK |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2299 cc | 2295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 162 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1378 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
