1996 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1996 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Thunderbird (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. (134 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 275 kg more than 1987 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, 1996 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. (205 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Thunderbird | 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Thunderbird | 230 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
