1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E (221 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (210 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 75 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, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (427 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E. (315 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 E.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 2005 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Thunderbird | E |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 233 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2830 mm |
