1981 Ford Capri vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 21 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 4,266 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (275 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 208 more horse power than 1981 Ford Capri. (67 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 885 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (401 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 286 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Capri. (115 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Capri. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Capri | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Capri | S |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 4266 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.8 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1895 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 88 L |
