1990 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 4,266 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (275 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1990 Ford Thunderbird. (139 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 285 kg more than 1990 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (401 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ford Thunderbird | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Thunderbird | S |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 4266 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1895 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 88 L |
