2003 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,934 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2003 Ford Thunderbird. (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 280 kg more than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
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, 2003 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 2003 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK has manual transmission. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Ford Thunderbird | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Thunderbird | SLK |
Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3934 cc | 3498 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 249 HP | 268 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 388 Nm | 350 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.7:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1465 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4090 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1790 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2440 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 70 L |