1983 Ford Capri vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Ford Capri would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 421 more horse power than 1983 Ford Capri. (72 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1035 kg more than 1983 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 702 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Capri. (98 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Capri. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1983 Ford Capri has manual transmission. 1983 Ford Capri will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ford Capri | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Capri | SL |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 2025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 80 L |
