1974 Ford Capri vs. 1981 Mercury Lynx
To start off, 1981 Mercury Lynx is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ford Capri would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Mercury Lynx is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Mercury Lynx (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1974 Ford Capri. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mercury Lynx should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Ford Capri weights approximately 60 kg more than 1981 Mercury Lynx.
Because 1974 Ford Capri 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 1974 Ford Capri. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Mercury Lynx, 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, 1981 Mercury Lynx (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Capri. (87 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Lynx will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Ford Capri | 1981 Mercury Lynx | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Capri | Lynx |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2400 mm |
