1994 Ford Probe vs. 1981 Ford Capri
To start off, 1994 Ford Probe is newer by 13 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 1994 Ford Probe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Ford Probe (161 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1981 Ford Capri. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 Ford Probe should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Ford Probe weights approximately 305 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, 1994 Ford Probe, 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, 1994 Ford Probe (212 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Capri. (85 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1994 Ford Probe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Ford Probe | 1981 Ford Capri | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Probe | Capri |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 212 Nm | 85 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1330 mm |
