1981 Ford Capri vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240
To start off, 1981 Ford Capri is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240 would be higher. At 3,005 cc (5 cylinders), 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240 (78 HP) has 8 more horse power than 1981 Ford Capri. (70 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240 weights approximately 420 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, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240 (172 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Capri. (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Capri | 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Capri | 240 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 3005 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 78 HP |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 164 km/hour | 148 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 65 L |
