1978 Ford Capri vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 34 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 2,294 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E (168 HP @ 3000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1978 Ford Capri. (108 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 682 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E (400 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Capri. (176 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Capri. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Capri | 2012 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Capri | E |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 231 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.8 seconds | 8.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1116 kg | 1798 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 80 L |
