1978 Ford Capri vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS (221 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1978 Ford Capri. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 825 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 CLS (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 425 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Capri. (85 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Capri. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1978 Ford Capri has manual transmission. 1978 Ford Capri will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Capri | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Capri | CLS |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2860 mm |
