1982 Austin Ambassador vs. 1978 Ford Capri
To start off, 1982 Austin Ambassador is newer by 4 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ford Capri (137 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1982 Austin Ambassador. (83 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ford Capri should accelerate faster than 1982 Austin Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Austin Ambassador weights approximately 60 kg more than 1978 Ford Capri.
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, 1982 Austin Ambassador, 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, 1978 Ford Capri (236 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Austin Ambassador. (131 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Capri will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Austin Ambassador. 1978 Ford Capri has automatic transmission and 1982 Austin Ambassador has manual transmission. 1982 Austin Ambassador will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Ford Capri will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Austin Ambassador | 1978 Ford Capri | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | Ambassador | Capri |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1698 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 137 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 1145 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2570 mm |
