1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 20 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS (288 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (210 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 25 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 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (365 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Thunderbird | CLS |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 3497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 288 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 365 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 92.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 12.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2860 mm |
