1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 14 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 5,438 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E (469 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 331 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 436 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 409 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 2002 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Thunderbird | E |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 5438 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 469 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 2046 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 80 L |
