2004 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 7 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 3,932 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (280 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (264 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 63 kg more than 2004 Ford Thunderbird.
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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (620 Nm) has 251 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Thunderbird. (369 Nm). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Thunderbird | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Thunderbird | CLS |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3932 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 264 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 369 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 15.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1752 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 80 L |
