2004 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 261 more horse power than 2004 Ford Thunderbird. (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 440 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 442 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Thunderbird. (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Thunderbird | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Thunderbird | CL |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3934 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 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 2185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2960 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 90 L |
