1972 Ford Capri vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Capri would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK (355 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 302 more horse power than 1972 Ford Capri. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 265 kg more than 1972 Ford Capri. 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 SLK (510 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 419 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Capri. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Capri. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford Capri has manual transmission. 1972 Ford Capri will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Capri | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Capri | SLK |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1305 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 975 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2440 mm |
