1996 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 13 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (201 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 380 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C.
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 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. (245 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Thunderbird | 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Thunderbird | C |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 68.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 62 L |
