1981 Ford Capri vs. 2012 Renault Clio
To start off, 2012 Renault Clio is newer by 31 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 1,460 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Renault Clio is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Renault Clio (81 HP @ 3750 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1981 Ford Capri. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Renault Clio should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Renault Clio weights approximately 190 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, 2012 Renault Clio, 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, 2012 Renault Clio (200 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Capri. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Renault Clio will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Capri | 2012 Renault Clio | |
| Make | Ford | Renault |
| Model | Capri | Clio |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1460 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 985 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2580 mm |
