2001 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 8 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 261 more horse power than 2001 Ford Thunderbird. (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2001 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 520 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 442 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ford Thunderbird. (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
2001 Ford Thunderbird | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Thunderbird | SL |
Year Released | 2001 | 2009 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3933 cc | 5513 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
Horse Power | 249 HP | 510 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 388 Nm | 830 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 82 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 85.1 mm | 87 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1225 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4540 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2570 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 80 L |