2009 Dodge Caliber vs. 1978 Ford Capri
To start off, 2009 Dodge Caliber is newer by 31 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 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ford Capri (175 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Caliber. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ford Capri should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Caliber. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Caliber weights approximately 315 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, 2009 Dodge Caliber, 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, 2009 Dodge Caliber (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Capri. (263 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Caliber will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Caliber | 1978 Ford Capri | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Caliber | Capri |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 263 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 196 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2570 mm |
