1978 Ford Capri vs. 2006 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2006 Smart ForFour is newer by 28 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, 2006 Smart ForFour (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1978 Ford Capri. (108 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Smart ForFour should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Capri weights approximately 26 kg more than 2006 Smart ForFour.
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, 2006 Smart ForFour, 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, 2006 Smart ForFour (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Capri. (176 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Smart ForFour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Capri | 2006 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Ford | Smart |
| Model | Capri | ForFour |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 1467 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 60.1 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 221 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.8 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1116 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 50 L |
