Performance Review: Ford Capri 3000E GT - [1970]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Ford Capri Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Ford Capri 3000E GT is the 4 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1970. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1970 Monteverdi Hai 450 SS and the 1970 Iso Grifo Can-Am 7.4 V8.This particular Ford Capri has a 2994cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 12 cylinders in a V formation.

Alternative Petrol V12's includes the 2021 Aston-Martin Valkyrie Spider 6.5 V12

The Capri shares its Petrol V12 engine configuration with the likes of the 2021 Aston-Martin Valkyrie Spider 6.5 V12 and the 2021 Aston-Martin Valkyrie Coupe 6.5 V12. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the Capri's Rear Wheel Drive, Coupe combination then how about the 1982 Fiat X1/9 1.5 8V or the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1103 kgs (2431 lbs) this makes the Ford Capri 3000E GT in the same weight category as the 2020 Lotus Exige Cup 430 3.5 V6 or the give or take 50kg.

The Ford Capri shares the same bhp with the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 1.5 Turbo (134 bhp)

In terms of power the 2994cc 12V V12 engine produces 138 bhp (102 kW) @ 0 rpm similar to the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 1.5 Turbo (134 bhp) or the 2020 Audi A1 A1 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic S line (148 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V12 throws out 174 lb-ft (235.9 Nm) @ 0 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 1.5 Turbo (162 lb-ft) or the 2020 Abarth 695 70th Anniversario 1.4 Turbo (184 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Ford Capri you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 1970 Alfa-Romeo Montreal 2.6 V8 Coupe (150.1 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Ford Capri.

The Ford Capri has a Power to weight ratio of 125.1 bhp per ton and 157.7 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1970 Capri competing with the 1970 Alfa-Romeo Montreal 2.6 V8 Coupe (150.1 bhp per ton) or the 2011 Honda Civic 2.0i 16v VTEC Type R - FN2 (150.0 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Ford Capri generating around 157.7 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1998 Mazda RX7 RZ (182.6 lb-ft per ton) or the 1994 Mitsubishi 3000 GT VR-4 (182.6 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 8.40 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 8.7 secs, this made the Ford Capri 3000E GT as fast as the 2007 Seat Ibiza 1.8 20vt FR (8.40 secs) the 2006 Peugeot 207 CC GT (8.40 secs) the 2003 Vauxhall-Opel Astra 2.2 16V (8.40 secs) the or the 1996 Peugeot 106 16v GTi (8.40 secs). This Ford Capri 3000E GT is also faster than the 2012 Land-Rover Range Rover Sport 3.0 TDV6 (8.50 secs) the 2004 Land-Rover Discovery 3 4.4 V8 (8.50 secs) the 2000 Volkswagen-VW Golf GT TDi 150 (8.50 secs) the and the 1997 Peugeot 306 2.0 XSi (8.50 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Capri and the 1991 Audi Coupe S2 2.2T Quattro

When talking about the performance of the Ford Capri on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 16.43 secs @ 83.3 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1991 Audi Coupe S2 2.2T Quattro (16.36 secs), the 2000 Renault Clio 2.0 16V 172 Cup (16.36 secs), and the 2011 Vauxhall-Opel Corsa VXR OPC Nurburgring 1.6Turbo (16.37 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1970 version of the Ford Capri 3000E GT has a maximum speed of 122mph.

Top Speed of the 1970 Capri equals the 2016 Audi A3 2.0 TDI Quattro (133 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1970 Ford Capri 3000E GT then how about the 2016 Audi A3 2.0 TDI Quattro (133 mph), the 2015 Mazda MX5 2.0i Roadster Coupe (133 mph), or the 2009 Porsche Cayenne 3.0 V6 Turbo Diesel (133 mph).

Related Links:

1970 Capri Rivals List.

A Brief History of Ford

Car Comparison