2001 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,933 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ford Thunderbird (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (221 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 70 kg more than 2001 Ford Thunderbird.
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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ford Thunderbird. (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Thunderbird | 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Thunderbird | CLS |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3933 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 233 km/hour | 246 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 80 L |
