2004 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240
To start off, 2004 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 would be higher. At 3,934 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 180 kg more than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. 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, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 251 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. 2004 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 has manual transmission. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Thunderbird | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Thunderbird | 240 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3934 cc | 2398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 3430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 65 L |
