1978 Ford Capri vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 31 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 1,699 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz A (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1978 Ford Capri. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 335 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.
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, 2009 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz A (155 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Capri. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Capri | A |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1699 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 78.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2570 mm |
