1981 Ford Capri vs. 2003 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2003 Nissan 350Z is newer by 22 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 3,490 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan 350Z (265 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 216 more horse power than 1981 Ford Capri. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 505 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.
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, 2003 Nissan 350Z (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 277 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Capri. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Capri | 2003 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Capri | 350Z |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 3490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 985 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2630 mm |
