Possible actions vs gaining of the future ability

[MichaelLu2000]

Which one refers to a possible action that can be taken and which one refers to the gaining of a future ability?

I made up these two sentences so there’s no source. I know they are not interchangeable and totally different, but I just want to know what they sound like.

1. If they run away, we can intercept them on their way

2. If they run away, we’ll be able to intercept them on their way.

 

[emsr2d2]

The outcome is the same in either. The only difference is that #1 refers to a general ability (no matter when they run away, we can intercept them) and #2 puts it firmly in the future.

 

[MichaelLu2000]

The outcome is the same in either. The only difference is that #1 refers to a general ability (no matter when they run away, we can intercept them) and #2 puts it firmly in the future.

Doesn't the first one sound more like presenting a possible action that can be taken?