1978 Ford Capri vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 33 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 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (454 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 279 more horse power than 1978 Ford Capri. (175 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 625 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (600 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 337 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Capri. (263 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Capri. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Capri | 2011 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Capri | C |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2994 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 454 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 263 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1795 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2760 mm |
