1995 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 288 more horse power than 1995 Ford Thunderbird. (230 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1995 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 335 kg more than 1995 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Ford Thunderbird. (447 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Ford Thunderbird | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Thunderbird | SL |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1604 kg | 1939 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4592 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2560 mm |
