1986 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 19 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 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E (221 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1986 Ford Thunderbird. (162 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 407 kg more than 1986 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Thunderbird. (241 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Thunderbird | 2005 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Thunderbird | E |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2299 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 162 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1378 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 80 L |
