How much horsepower does a 1973 Mercury Capri V6 have?
Approximately 105 horsepower.
In 1973 the U.S.-market Mercury Capri offered a 2.8-liter Cologne V6 as its primary V6 option. Horsepower numbers from that era vary depending on whether the figure is a gross rating (used in older brochures) or a net rating (adopted after 1972 emission regulations). The commonly cited figure for the Capri's 2.8L V6 is around 105 hp in gross terms, with net horsepower typically closer to 95–100 hp in practice.
Power figures and measurement context
To understand what those numbers mean, it helps to know how horsepower was measured in the early 1970s. Gross horsepower listed in brochures represents engine output with no accessories or emission controls under test conditions. Net horsepower, used in later catalogs and window stickers, subtracts the drivetrain and accessory losses. The Capri's V6 figure is most often quoted as 105 hp gross.
- 2.8-liter Cologne V6 — 105 hp gross; roughly 95–100 hp when rated as net horsepower under later SAE standards.
Note that some market specifications or option packages could slightly alter the listed figure, but 105 hp gross is the standard reference for the U.S. 1973 Capri V6.
Context: performance and driving experience
Power alone doesn’t tell the whole story. The Capri’s 2.8L V6 delivered its torque at relatively moderate engine speeds and benefited from the car’s light weight for its class. Transmission choice (manual or automatic) and gearing also affected acceleration and the overall driving feel behind the wheel.
Historical sources and catalog nuances
If you’re researching a specific car or brochure, double-check whether horsepower is listed as gross or net, and verify the market (U.S., Canada, Europe) since ratings and available equipment differed by region in 1973.
Summary
In practical terms, a 1973 Mercury Capri equipped with the 2.8-liter V6 is commonly cited as delivering about 105 horsepower in gross terms, with net ratings typically around the mid-to-upper 90s. This aligns with Ford’s Cologne V6 output for that era and highlights how measurement standards affect the reported figure.
What was the fastest car in 1973?
The fastest production car in 1973 was likely the Ferrari 365 GT4 BB, which was unveiled that year and called the fastest in the world at the time, while the De Tomaso Pantera is often cited as the fastest production car for that model year based on performance metrics like its 0-60 time of 6.0 seconds. For racing, the Porsche 917/30 was the most powerful race car, winning the Can-Am season with over 1,500 horsepower.
This video discusses the fastest American muscle cars of 1973: 55sFreedom MuscleYouTube · Jul 3, 2025
Production cars
- Ferrari 365 GT4 BB: Called the fastest car in the world when it was unveiled in 1973.
- De Tomaso Pantera: Often cited with performance figures like a 6.0-second 0-60 mph time and a top speed of 175 mph.
- Porsche 911: Another fast production car of the era, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.8 seconds.
Race cars
- Porsche 917/30: The most powerful race car of the time, with over 1,500 horsepower, it dominated the 1973 Can-Am season.
Other notable high-performance cars
- Chevrolet Corvette: Had a 0-60 mph time of 8.0 seconds.
- Pontiac Trans Am 455 Super Duty: A powerful American muscle car that could run the quarter mile in 13.8 seconds.
How much horsepower does a Mercury Capri have?
The base trim was equipped with a 100 hp Mazda 1.6 L DOHC inline-4; the XR2 was equipped with a turbocharged version of the 1.6 L engine, rated at 132 hp.
Are mercury Capris rare?
Only 54 examples of the muscle car were produced for the program for the 1985 Mercury Motor-City 100 and Detroit Grand Prix races. The special edition Capri was based on the Roush Protofab Capris that dominated the SCCA Trans Am race series during the 1984 and 1985 seasons - hence the Motorcraft-inspired paint schemes.
How much horsepower does a 1973 Ford Capri have?
It was paired to a 4-speed manual transmission. The V6 made about 105 horsepower and 140 foot pounds of torque, but the car only had a curb weight of 2,500 pounds. Dad has a lot of fond memories of the Capri and speaks of how it felt so different from other “American cars” at the time.
