1974 Ford Capri vs. 1999 Mercury Mystique
To start off, 1999 Mercury Mystique is newer by 25 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 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Mystique is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercury Mystique (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1974 Ford Capri. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Mystique should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Mystique weights approximately 232 kg more than 1974 Ford Capri. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1999 Mercury Mystique, 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, 1999 Mercury Mystique (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Capri. (87 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Mystique will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Ford Capri | 1999 Mercury Mystique | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Capri | Mystique |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2710 mm |
