1978 Ford Capri vs. 1996 Jaguar XK8
To start off, 1996 Jaguar XK8 is newer by 18 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 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Jaguar XK8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Jaguar XK8 (291 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 242 more horse power than 1978 Ford Capri. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Jaguar XK8 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Jaguar XK8 weights approximately 643 kg more than 1978 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, 1996 Jaguar XK8 (393 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 307 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Capri. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Jaguar XK8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Capri. 1996 Jaguar XK8 has automatic transmission and 1978 Ford Capri has manual transmission. 1978 Ford Capri will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Jaguar XK8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Capri | 1996 Jaguar XK8 | |
| Make | Ford | Jaguar |
| Model | Capri | XK8 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 3996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 291 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6150 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 393 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1653 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2720 mm |
