1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 18 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (141 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (140 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 141 kg more than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C.
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 72 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (220 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Thunderbird | C |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 223 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1606 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 | 2720 mm |
