1981 Ford Capri vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 22 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 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Capri (158 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz C. (141 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Capri should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 350 kg more than 1981 Ford Capri.
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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz C (316 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Capri. (221 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Capri. 2003 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2003 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Capri | 2003 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Capri | C |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2792 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 316 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.5 mm | 88.3 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 | 1170 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 69 L |
