1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR is newer by 9 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 6,898 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR (604 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 466 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 345 kg more than 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR.
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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR (770 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 479 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Thunderbird | CLK GTR |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 6898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 770 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2680 mm |
