1995 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 17 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 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1995 Ford Thunderbird. (230 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1995 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 286 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Ford Thunderbird. (447 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Ford Thunderbird | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Thunderbird | CLS |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1604 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2875 mm |
