2003 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1975 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2003 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 6,834 cc (8 cylinders), 1975 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Mercedes-Benz S (283 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2003 Ford Thunderbird. (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 675 kg more than 2003 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, 1975 Mercedes-Benz S (549 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Thunderbird. (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1975 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Thunderbird | 1975 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Thunderbird | S |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3934 cc | 6834 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 283 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 549 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 2420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2870 mm |
