1981 Ford Capri vs. 2002 Acura CL
To start off, 2002 Acura CL is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Capri would be higher. At 3,210 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Acura CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Acura CL (260 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1981 Ford Capri. (158 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Acura CL should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Acura CL weights approximately 410 kg more than 1981 Ford Capri. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Ford Capri. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Acura CL, 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, 2002 Acura CL (315 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Capri. (221 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2002 Acura CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Capri. 2002 Acura CL has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Capri has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Capri will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Acura CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Capri | 2002 Acura CL | |
| Make | Ford | Acura |
| Model | Capri | CL |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2792 cc | 3210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6900 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 65 L |
