1981 Ford Capri vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz V
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz V is newer by 16 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 2,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz V is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz V (139 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1981 Ford Capri. (67 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz V should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz V weights approximately 990 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.
Because 1981 Ford Capri is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 Ford Capri. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz V, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz V (210 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Capri. (115 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz V will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Capri. 1997 Mercedes-Benz V 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. 1997 Mercedes-Benz V will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Capri | 1997 Mercedes-Benz V | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Capri | V |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 2295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 2000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3010 mm |
