1978 Ford Capri vs. 2001 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2001 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 23 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 2,294 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercedes-Benz A (123 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1978 Ford Capri. (108 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Capri weights approximately 6 kg more than 2001 Mercedes-Benz A.
Because 1978 Ford Capri is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Ford Capri. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Mercedes-Benz A, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2001 Mercedes-Benz A (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Capri. (176 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Capri | 2001 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Capri | A |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 1898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 60.1 mm | 85.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 195 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1116 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 54 L |
