2004 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2004 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 213 more horse power than 2004 Ford Thunderbird. (280 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 273 kg more than 2004 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm) has 431 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Thunderbird. (369 Nm). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Thunderbird | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Thunderbird | SL |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3932 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 369 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1752 kg | 2025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 80 L |
