1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 17 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, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (210 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. (167 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 245 kg more than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (427 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Thunderbird | C |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 234 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2830 mm |
