2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 1979 Ford Capri
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Capri would be higher. At 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 290 more horse power than 1979 Ford Capri. (112 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 800 kg more than 1979 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 424 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Capri. (176 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 1979 Ford Capri | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | CLS | Capri |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4663 cc | 2294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 402 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 600 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1882 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1417 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2875 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 58 L |
