1974 Ford Capri vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ford Capri would be higher. At 2,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 (188 HP) has 134 more horse power than 1974 Ford Capri. (54 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 560 kg more than 1974 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 (260 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Capri. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Capri. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 has automatic transmission and 1974 Ford Capri has manual transmission. 1974 Ford Capri will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Ford Capri | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Capri | 300 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 2960 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 188 HP |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 985 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3080 mm |
