1978 Ford Capri vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1978 Ford Capri. (108 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Capri.
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 SLK (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Capri. (176 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 SLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Capri | SLK |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 70 L |
