1990 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL

To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 18 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 371 more horse power than 1990 Ford Thunderbird. (139 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 345 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (720 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 429 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Ford Thunderbird.

Compare all specifications:

1990 Ford Thunderbird 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
Make Ford Mercedes-Benz
Model Thunderbird SL
Year Released 1990 2008
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 3791 cc 5439 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 8 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Horse Power 139 HP 510 HP
Engine RPM 3800 RPM 6100 RPM
Torque 291 Nm 720 Nm
Torque RPM 2400 RPM 2600 RPM
Engine Bore Size 96.8 mm 97 mm
Engine Stroke Size 86 mm 92 mm
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Rear
Number of Seats 4 seats 2 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1610 kg 1955 kg
Vehicle Length 5050 mm 4540 mm
Vehicle Width 1850 mm 1820 mm
Vehicle Height 1350 mm 1300 mm
Wheelbase Size 2880 mm 2570 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 45 L 80 L


 

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