1978 Ford Capri vs. 1983 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1983 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Capri would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Mercedes-Benz S (154 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1978 Ford Capri. (108 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 444 kg more than 1978 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, 1983 Mercedes-Benz S (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Capri. (176 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Capri | 1983 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Capri | S |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1116 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2950 mm |
