Ford Capri: Which Version to Buy and Why
The Ford Capri choice divides into two very different groups. Buyers considering the Coupe generations produced from 1969 to 1987 can choose naturally aspirated Gasoline engines, RWD, and mostly Manual gearboxes; the fourth-generation SUV Coupe, produced from 2024, is Electro and offers either RWD or AWD.
The Ford Capri choice divides into two very different groups. Buyers considering the Coupe generations produced from 1969 to 1987 can choose naturally aspirated Gasoline engines, RWD, and mostly Manual gearboxes; the fourth-generation SUV Coupe, produced from 2024, is Electro and offers either RWD or AWD. Among versions with measured performance, the quickest classic is the third-generation 2.8 MT, with 160 hp, 221 Nm, 0–100 km/h in 8.5 seconds, and a 210 km/h top speed. The quickest Capri overall is the fourth-generation EV 79 kWh Extended Range AWD, with 340 hp, 679 Nm, and 0–100 km/h in 5.3 seconds. The right version therefore depends on whether the priority is a lighter classic Coupe, maximum classic performance, or the far greater output of the modern SUV Coupe.
Ford Capri generations: what changed?
The first-generation Ford Capri was a Coupe produced from 1969 to 1974. The catalogue records 38 modifications, of which 12 are shown in the supplied version data. This generation offers the widest demonstrated transmission choice: the listed cars include 4-speed Manual and 3-speed Automatic versions. Their engines are naturally aspirated Gasoline units, and every listed version uses RWD. Where weight is measured, kerb weight runs from 888 to 995 kg. This is the generation to examine first if low weight or an Automatic classic matters.
The second-generation Ford Capri was a Coupe produced from 1974 to 1977, with 7 listed modifications. All use RWD, and the range covers 4-cylinder Inline and 6-cylinder V-shaped Gasoline engines. Output extends from 54 hp in 1.3 MT to 138 hp in 3.0 MT. Gearboxes are Manual with 4 or 5 speeds. Performance, kerb weight, gross weight, tank capacity, and wheel sizes are not measured in this generation’s supplied records.
The third-generation Ford Capri was a Coupe produced from 1978 to 1987, with 5 listed modifications. It has the most complete classic performance ladder: 1.3 MT, 1.6 MT, 2.0 MT, 2.3 MT, and 2.8 MT. Every version is naturally aspirated, Gasoline, Manual, and RWD. Power rises from 54 to 160 hp, while measured 0–100 km/h time improves from 16.6 to 8.5 seconds. This generation is the clearest choice for comparing classic Capri performance directly.
The fourth-generation Ford Capri is an SUV Coupe produced from 2024, with 2 listed modifications. Both are Electro models with a 1-speed Automatic transmission, but EV 77 kWh Extended Range RWD uses RWD while EV 79 kWh Extended Range AWD uses AWD. The AWD version adds 54 hp and 134 Nm, cuts 1.1 seconds from the 0–100 km/h time, and adds 76 kg of kerb weight. Both have a measured top speed of 180 km/h and CO₂ output of 0.
Ford Capri engine options and specifications
Repeated names below are distinguished by power because the source contains several mechanically different versions under the same catalogue name.
| Generation | Version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders/layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 generation | 1.3 MT (55 hp) | 55 hp | 90 Nm | 1294 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| 1 generation | 1.3 MT (59 hp) | 59 hp | 97 Nm | 1294 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| 1 generation | 1.3 MT (52 hp) | 52 hp | 90 Nm | 1298 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| 1 generation | 1.3 MT (64 hp) | 64 hp | 87 Nm | 1298 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| 1 generation | 1.3 MT (50 hp) | 50 hp | 93 Nm | 1305 cc | Gasoline | 4, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| 1 generation | 1.5 MT (60 hp) | 60 hp | 112 Nm | 1498 cc | Gasoline | 4, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| 1 generation | 1.5 AT (60 hp) | 60 hp | 112 Nm | 1498 cc | Gasoline | 4, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 1 generation | 1.5 MT (65 hp) | 65 hp | 115 Nm | 1498 cc | Gasoline | 4, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| 1 generation | 1.5 AT (65 hp) | 65 hp | 115 Nm | 1498 cc | Gasoline | 4, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 1 generation | 1.6 MT (72 hp) | 72 hp | 118 Nm | 1593 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| 1 generation | 1.6 AT (72 hp) | 72 hp | 118 Nm | 1593 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 1 generation | 1.6 MT (88 hp) | 88 hp | 125 Nm | 1593 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| 2 generation | 1.3 MT | 54 hp | not measured | 1297 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| 2 generation | 1.6 MT (73 hp) | 73 hp | 117 Nm | 1593 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| 2 generation | 1.6 MT (88 hp) | 88 hp | not measured | 1593 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| 2 generation | 2.0 MT | 90 hp | 158 Nm | 1998 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| 2 generation | 2.3 MT | 107 hp | 176 Nm | 2300 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| 2 generation | 3.0 MT | 138 hp | 235 Nm | 2994 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| 2 generation | 1.6 MT (68 hp) | 68 hp | 113 Nm | 1593 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| 3 generation | 1.3 MT | 54 hp | not measured | 1297 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| 3 generation | 1.6 MT | 73 hp | 117 Nm | 1593 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| 3 generation | 2.0 MT | 100 hp | 157 Nm | 1993 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| 3 generation | 2.3 MT | 114 hp | 176 Nm | 2294 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| 3 generation | 2.8 MT | 160 hp | 221 Nm | 2792 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| 4 generation | EV 77 kWh Extended Range RWD | 286 hp | 545 Nm | not measured | Electro | not measured | not measured | 1-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 4 generation | EV 79 kWh Extended Range AWD | 340 hp | 679 Nm | not measured | Electro | not measured | not measured | 1-speed Automatic | AWD |
For power per litre, the first-generation 1.6 MT (88 hp) produces about 55.2 hp per litre. In the second generation, 1.6 MT (88 hp) also produces about 55.2 hp per litre, narrowly ahead of 1.3 MT at about 41.6 hp per litre only if outright power is not the priority. In the third generation, 2.8 MT leads at about 57.3 hp per litre, compared with about 50.2 hp per litre for 2.0 MT, 49.7 for 2.3 MT, 45.8 for 1.6 MT, and 41.6 for 1.3 MT. Displacement-based power density cannot be calculated for the Electro versions because displacement is not measured.
Ford Capri performance and economy
The first generation provides useful evidence about the effect of engine tune and transmission. The 1298 cc 1.3 MT (64 hp) reaches 100 km/h in 15.1 seconds and 150 km/h, making it 7.6 seconds quicker and 17 km/h faster than the 1305 cc 1.3 MT (50 hp). Among the 1498 cc cars, 1.5 MT (65 hp) reaches 100 km/h in 16.6 seconds and 142 km/h. The matching 1.5 AT (65 hp) has a 140 km/h top speed, while its 0–100 km/h result is not measured. The 1593 cc 1.6 MT (72 hp) records 15.3 seconds and 158 km/h; 1.6 AT (72 hp) records 19.1 seconds and 152 km/h. The Manual is therefore 3.8 seconds quicker to 100 km/h and 6 km/h faster. The first-generation 1.6 MT (88 hp) improves further to 12.6 seconds and 170 km/h.
Second-generation 0–100 km/h times and top speeds are not measured for every listed version. Fuel consumption is also not measured for every version, so the figures do not support an economy ranking.
The third generation makes the trade-offs explicit. 1.3 MT records 16.6 seconds and 157 km/h; 1.6 MT records 14.4 seconds and 160 km/h; 2.0 MT records 10.5 seconds and 182 km/h; 2.3 MT records 10.1 seconds and 186 km/h; and 2.8 MT records 8.5 seconds and 210 km/h. Moving from 2.0 MT to 2.3 MT adds 14 hp and 19 Nm but improves acceleration by only 0.4 seconds and top speed by 4 km/h. Moving from 2.3 MT to 2.8 MT adds 46 hp and 45 Nm, improves acceleration by 1.6 seconds, and raises top speed by 24 km/h. Fuel consumption is not measured for any third-generation version.
For the fourth generation, EV 77 kWh Extended Range RWD reaches 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds and EV 79 kWh Extended Range AWD does it in 5.3 seconds. Both top out at 180 km/h. Energy consumption is not measured, so neither battery size nor drive layout can be used here to claim an efficiency advantage.
Ford Capri dimensions, weight, clearance, tank, and wheels
Overall length, width, height, wheelbase, and wheel sizes are not measured for any listed generation. Weight data are available only for selected first-generation cars and both fourth-generation versions.
Among the first-generation records, the lightest is 1.3 MT (52 hp) at 888 kg kerb weight and 1,250 kg gross weight. Its weight-to-power figure is about 17.1 kg per hp. The 1.3 MT (64 hp) weighs 905 kg, or about 14.1 kg per hp. The 1.6 MT (88 hp) weighs 960 kg, giving the best measured classic result among the supplied versions at about 10.9 kg per hp. The 72 hp 1.6 MT weighs 960 kg, while 1.6 AT weighs 975 kg; the Automatic adds 15 kg.
Both 60 hp and 65 hp 1.5 MT versions weigh 975 kg, while both corresponding 1.5 AT versions weigh 995 kg. Choosing Automatic therefore adds 20 kg in either pairing. The first-generation fuel tank is 48 litres for every shown version. Ground clearance is not measured, and wheel sizes are not measured.
Second-generation ground clearance is 127 mm for every listed version. Kerb weight, gross weight, tank capacity, and wheel sizes are not measured.
Third-generation ground clearance is 125 mm for every listed version, 2 mm less than the second-generation figure. Kerb weight, gross weight, tank capacity, and wheel sizes are not measured.
The fourth-generation EV 77 kWh Extended Range RWD weighs 2,023 kg, or about 7.1 kg per hp. The EV 79 kWh Extended Range AWD weighs 2,099 kg, or about 6.2 kg per hp. The AWD version’s 76 kg increase is accompanied by 54 additional hp and 134 additional Nm. Gross weight, ground clearance, tank capacity, and wheel sizes are not measured.
Which Ford Capri version should you buy?
For a first-generation classic with the strongest measured combination of pace and weight, choose 1.6 MT (88 hp). Its 12.6-second 0–100 km/h time, 170 km/h top speed, and approximately 10.9 kg per hp are the best results among the shown first-generation versions. If minimum measured kerb weight matters more, 1.3 MT (52 hp) is the 888 kg choice, but it takes 19.8 seconds to reach 100 km/h and tops out at 138 km/h.
If an Automatic classic is essential, the data support choosing between 1.5 AT (60 hp), 1.5 AT (65 hp), and 1.6 AT (72 hp). The 72 hp 1.6 AT has the highest measured top speed at 152 km/h and a measured 19.1-second 0–100 km/h time. The 65 hp 1.5 AT reaches 140 km/h, while its acceleration is not measured; the 60 hp 1.5 AT reaches 138 km/h, with acceleration also not measured.
Within the second generation, choose 3.0 MT for maximum output: 138 hp and 235 Nm. Choose 2.3 MT if the step down to 107 hp and 176 Nm is acceptable; like 3.0 MT, it retains a 5-speed Manual gearbox. The second-generation performance and weight data are not measured, so a stronger recommendation cannot be made from the supplied figures.
For the best-performing classic Capri in the data, choose the third-generation 2.8 MT. It combines 160 hp, 221 Nm, a 5-speed Manual gearbox, RWD, 8.5-second acceleration, and a 210 km/h top speed. The 2.0 MT is the middle-ground choice: its 100 hp output, 157 Nm, 10.5-second acceleration, and 182 km/h top speed place it much closer to 2.3 MT performance than to the slower 1.6 MT. If the smallest third-generation engine is the priority, 1.3 MT is available, but it gives up 106 hp and 53 km/h to 2.8 MT.
For the modern Capri, EV 77 kWh Extended Range RWD is the lighter option at 2,023 kg and still provides 286 hp, 545 Nm, and 6.4-second acceleration. Choose EV 79 kWh Extended Range AWD when maximum output, AWD, and the quickest measured acceleration matter: it delivers 340 hp, 679 Nm, and 5.3 seconds. Because both versions have the same 180 km/h top speed, the extra output buys stronger acceleration and AWD rather than a higher maximum speed. Price, range, charging performance, reliability, and energy consumption are not measured, so the data cannot support a value or running-cost verdict.