1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S (164 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (140 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 86 kg more than 1990 Mercedes-Benz S.
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, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (292 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. 1988 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1990 Mercedes-Benz S has manual transmission. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 1990 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Thunderbird | S |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 2599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 82.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1606 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2950 mm |
