1981 Ford Capri vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 28 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 219 more horse power than 1981 Ford Capri. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 341 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 264 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Capri. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Capri. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Capri | 2009 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Capri | E |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 985 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2860 mm |
