23rd Sep 2026, 13:47
The Capri 3.0, like the Cortina/Taunus it was based on, is basically a tin box with a 200 kg iron lump in the front. Handling was pretty scary and many 3.0 Capris ended up crashed around a lamp post. I love the Essex V6 and these are from a performance point of view much better than the Cologne V6, that is much more restricted and weaker. However, the Cologne V6 is much lighter and has better fuel consumption. But you can't really tune the Cologne V6, where the Essex is easy to tune to huge horsepower ratings. Internals in the Essex are extremely strong and over dimensioned and can take a lot of abuse. Unfortunately, the rest of the Capri 3.0 mechanics are from the standard Ford parts bin and will break well before the engine, especially the axle. These really could not cope with the torque.
22nd Sep 2026, 13:50
I drove two Capris in my time: a 1975 Mk2, like the one in this review, and a newer 1983 model.
I can assure you that the older one was much more stable and easier to handle than the 1983 version; not only did it feel safer, but it also moved around less on the open road and even braked better. I don't know the reason why (since neither car was mine) but it really struck me, especially since, in theory, it should have been the other way around.
What I do remember is that they were very handsome cars, especially the Mk2, with beautiful interiors and fantastic acceleration; they were among the best of that era.