1981 Ford Capri vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML is newer by 27 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 2,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML (167 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1981 Ford Capri. (160 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML weights approximately 985 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML (400 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Capri. (220 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Capri. 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML 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. 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Capri | 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Capri | ML |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2790 cc | 2685 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.5 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 2175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 83 L |
