1978 Ford Capri vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK (161 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1978 Ford Capri. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 550 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK (240 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Capri. (85 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 CLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Capri | CLK |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2720 mm |
