1978 Ford Capri vs. 2011 Nissan Versa
To start off, 2011 Nissan Versa 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 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Versa (122 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1978 Ford Capri. (97 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Versa should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Versa weights approximately 219 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 Nissan Versa, 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, 2011 Nissan Versa (172 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Capri. (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Versa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Capri | 2011 Nissan Versa | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Capri | Versa |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 122 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1032 kg | 1251 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4295 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1694 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1534 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2601 mm |
