1978 Ford Capri vs. 1996 Mercury Mystique
To start off, 1996 Mercury Mystique 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 2,294 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercury Mystique (130 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1978 Ford Capri. (108 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercury Mystique should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercury Mystique weights approximately 126 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.
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, 1996 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, 1996 Mercury Mystique (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Capri. (176 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercury Mystique will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Capri | 1996 Mercury Mystique | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Capri | Mystique |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1116 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2710 mm |
