1978 Ford Capri vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 19 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 5,584 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (420 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 312 more horse power than 1978 Ford Capri. (108 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen W12 weights approximately 36 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, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 354 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Capri. (176 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Capri | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Capri | W12 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 5584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | W |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 60.1 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1116 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1010 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 55 L |
