1995 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1995 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Ford Thunderbird (230 HP) has 96 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. (134 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 244 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. 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, 1995 Ford Thunderbird (447 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 242 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. (205 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1995 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. 1995 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 has manual transmission. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1995 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Ford Thunderbird | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Thunderbird | 230 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 2298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 134 HP |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1604 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2800 mm |
