Ford Capri 1978–1985 car dimensions: 4376 mm long, 1698 mm wide and 1323 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,040 kg. Braked towing is 1,200 kg.
Heating and through-flow ventilation are first class. A push-button radio is standard on S and higher grades. Recaro seats are optional on S models. A sliding steel sunroof is available as an extra. Rear seat space is limited for head and knee room. No electronic driver aids appear in period equipment lists.
The hatchback provides about 260 litres of luggage space with the rear seats in place. Folding the split rear seats increases capacity to around 640 litres.
Braked towing capacity reaches 1200 kg with unbraked at 550 kg. Payload sits near 350 kg depending on engine and equipment. S and Injection models use firmer suspension settings that suit spirited road use more than heavy loads.
The cabin offers a sporty coupe feel with bucket front seats that recline on most grades and provide decent support, especially the optional or higher-trim Recaro versions that hug the driver well. Rear space is tight for adults with limited head and knee room. A tilt-slide sunroof appears on many mid and upper models for open-air driving. Heating and ventilation work effectively for the era, and a heated rear window is common. Higher grades add better cloth or leather trim, a full instrument pack and centre console for a more complete daily drive.
Petrol engines from 1.3 to 3.0 litres with carburettor or injection options.
Fuel tank holds 58 litres.
Servo-assisted front disc brakes standard across the range.
Laminated windscreen standard.
Safety steering wheel and padded dashboard fitted.
Fuel use varies by engine. Lighter four-cylinder models return better economy on the open road while the V6 versions thirst more under hard use. The 58-litre tank gives a practical range for touring.
Servicing needs regular oil and filter changes to keep the Pinto or V6 engines healthy. Timing components and water pumps need attention on higher-mileage cars. Gearboxes and diffs last well with proper fluid changes. Parts for common items remain available through specialists though body and trim pieces can take searching.
Safety kit centres on servo front discs, dual-circuit brakes, laminated glass, collapsible steering and anti-burst locks. Black wrap-around bumpers and extra dash padding form part of the crash protection package. No formal star ratings exist for this era. The live rear axle and MacPherson front give predictable handling when maintained.
Keeping the car means watching for rust in sills, arches and floorpans. A solid body is key as panels are now reproduced. Regular underbody care and dry storage help longevity. The simple mechanical layout makes DIY work straightforward for most owners.
Length 4376 mm, Width 1698 mm, Height 1323 mm, Wheelbase 2563 mm (Capri 1978–1985)
Sources: manufacturer data, ford-capri.ch Mk III technical data pages, Capri Car Club and auto-data.net.