1978 Ford Capri vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 27 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK (160 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1978 Ford Capri. (137 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 220 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, 1978 Ford Capri (236 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (230 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Capri will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Capri | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Capri | SLK |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 2032 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 137 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2410 mm |
