1980 Ford Capri vs. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350
To start off, 1980 Ford Capri is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 would be higher. At 3,499 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 (200 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1980 Ford Capri. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 weights approximately 599 kg more than 1980 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, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 (286 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 201 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Capri. (85 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Capri. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 has automatic transmission and 1980 Ford Capri has manual transmission. 1980 Ford Capri will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Capri | 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Capri | 350 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 3499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 286 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 996 kg | 1595 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2830 mm |
