1981 Ford Capri vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1981 Ford Capri is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1981 Ford Capri. (158 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 278 kg more than 1981 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Capri. (221 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Capri | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Capri | 280 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2792 cc | 2745 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.5 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1508 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 78 L |
