1978 Ford Capri vs. 1981 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1981 Ford Fiesta is newer by 3 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ford Capri (137 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ford Capri should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Capri weights approximately 345 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Ford Capri. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1978 Ford Capri (236 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Capri will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Capri | 1981 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Capri | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 1608 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 137 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2400 mm |
