1989 Ford Capri vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Capri would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ford Capri (134 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (5 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford Capri should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 449 kg more than 1989 Ford Capri.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Ford Capri, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Capri. (183 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Capri. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1989 Ford Capri has manual transmission. 1989 Ford Capri will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Capri | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Capri | SLK |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 5 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1092 kg | 1541 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2431 mm |
