1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz CW
To start off, 1988 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz CW. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz CW would be higher. At 6,328 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz CW is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz CW (395 HP @ 5160 RPM) has 257 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz CW should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 360 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz CW.
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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz CW (600 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 309 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz CW will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 1979 Mercedes-Benz CW | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Thunderbird | CW |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 6328 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 395 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5160 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1120 mm |
