1978 Ford Capri vs. 2004 Renault Vel Satis
To start off, 2004 Renault Vel Satis is newer by 26 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 2,188 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Renault Vel Satis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Renault Vel Satis (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1978 Ford Capri. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Renault Vel Satis should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Renault Vel Satis weights approximately 745 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, 2004 Renault Vel Satis, 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, 2004 Renault Vel Satis (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Capri. (85 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Renault Vel Satis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Capri. 2004 Renault Vel Satis 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. 2004 Renault Vel Satis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Capri | 2004 Renault Vel Satis | |
| Make | Ford | Renault |
| Model | Capri | Vel Satis |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 2188 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2700 mm |
