1978 Ford Capri vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 19 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 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1978 Ford Capri. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 770 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Capri. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Capri | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Capri | SL |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2520 mm |
