1981 Ford Capri vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 26 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 444 more horse power than 1981 Ford Capri. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 971 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 714 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Capri. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Capri. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Capri | 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Capri | SL |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 985 kg | 1956 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2570 mm |
