1996 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Thunderbird 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 24 more horse power than 1999 Mercedes-Benz E. (114 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 20 kg more than 1999 Mercedes-Benz E. 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 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercedes-Benz E. (250 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Thunderbird | 1999 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Thunderbird | E |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 88.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
