1996 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 10 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 5,982 cc, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL (604 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 466 more horse power than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 75 kg more than 1996 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL (1,001 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 710 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Thunderbird | 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Thunderbird | CL |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 5982 cc |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 1001 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 88 L |
