2001 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 7 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (469 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 220 more horse power than 2001 Ford Thunderbird. (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2001 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 245 kg more than 2001 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 312 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ford Thunderbird. (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Thunderbird | 2008 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Thunderbird | E |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3933 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 469 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 97.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 80 L |
