1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 600
To start off, 1988 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz 600 would be higher. At 6,328 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercedes-Benz 600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 600 (247 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (140 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 600 should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 600 weights approximately 1164 kg more than 1988 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, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 600 (500 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 208 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (292 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1971 Mercedes-Benz 600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 1971 Mercedes-Benz 600 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Thunderbird | 600 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 6328 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 103 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 95 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1606 kg | 2770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 6250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 3910 mm |
