1978 Ford Capri vs. 2011 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2011 Mercury Mariner is newer by 33 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 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercury Mariner (177 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1978 Ford Capri. (175 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 494 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, 2011 Mercury Mariner, 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, 1978 Ford Capri (263 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mercury Mariner. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Capri will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Capri | 2011 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Capri | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2994 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 263 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1664 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1806 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1727 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2619 mm |
