1996 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1978 Ford Capri
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Capri would be higher. At 2,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C (151 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1978 Ford Capri. (97 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 333 kg more than 1978 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C (220 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Capri. (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Capri. 1978 Ford Capri has automatic transmission and 1996 Mercedes-Benz C has manual transmission. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Ford Capri will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz C | 1978 Ford Capri | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | C | Capri |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2295 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 151 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.9 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1032 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 2570 mm |
