1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 21 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 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (507 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 369 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 285 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz E.
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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (631 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 340 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Thunderbird | E |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 507 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 631 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 80 L |
