1979 Ford Capri vs. 1989 Toyota MR2
To start off, 1989 Toyota MR2 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Capri would be higher. At 2,294 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Toyota MR2 (221 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1979 Ford Capri. (112 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 150 kg more than 1979 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, 1989 Toyota MR2 (305 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Capri. (176 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Capri | 1989 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Capri | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 60.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 55 L |
