1981 Ford Capri vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Capri would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 (323 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 256 more horse power than 1981 Ford Capri. (67 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 880 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 (450 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 335 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Capri. (115 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Capri. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Capri has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Capri will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Capri | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Capri | 500 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 323 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.8 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 80 L |
