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How much horsepower does a Ford Capri rs3100 have?

The Ford Capri RS3100's horsepower varied by model year and configuration. In street trim, it typically produced around 170 horsepower, while competition-spec versions pushed well above that, often surpassing 300 hp in prototype or heavily tuned forms.


Origins and purpose of the RS3100


Developed by Ford's Special Vehicle Engineering division in the early 1970s, the RS3100 was a limited-run homologation model intended to qualify cars for Group 4/5 competition and to keep Ford competitive against rivals in European touring car racing. It was produced in small numbers and later overshadowed by other Capri variants.


Engine and design intent


The RS3100 used a 3.0-liter V6-based powerplant common to Ford's mid-size range, tuned for higher output. Street specifications were tuned for reliability and drivability, while racing variants were heavily modified for power and weight reduction.


Power outputs by configuration


Below is an overview of typical horsepower figures associated with the RS3100 across different configurations. Figures refer to historic road and race-spec documentation and can vary by year, market, and specific tuning.



  • Road-going RS3100: approximately 170 horsepower (around 125 kW)

  • Group 4 homologation/rally versions: typically 260–300 horsepower, depending on class rules and tuning

  • Track-only prototypes and heavily tuned race cars: commonly 300+ horsepower, with some builds exceeding this in specialized setups


In practice, the exact horsepower during its lifetime varied greatly depending on the era and the team running the car.


Where the RS3100 fits in Ford's Capri lineage


The RS3100 sits between the early 1970s performance iterations of the Capri and the later turbocharged options that would come later in the decade. It represents Ford's attempt to keep the Capri competitive in European touring car competition during a period of intense motorsport activity.


Summary


The Ford Capri RS3100's horsepower varied significantly by configuration—from roughly 170 hp in street form to 260–300+ hp in competition settings. The exact figure depends on the specific car and the era, reflecting a model built for homologation and performance rather than mass-market appeal. Today, the RS3100 is considered a rare and collectible part of the Capri's history.

What was the fastest Ford Capri?


  • The Cologne Capri is.
  • undoubtedly the rarest—
  • and fastest — Ford Capri.
  • variant. Allan Walton.
  • follows the history of the.
  • car built specifically for the.
  • Championship.



What BHP is the RS3100 Capri?


Therefore the RS3100 used an overbored Essex 3 litre unit producing148 bhp (although the racing engines were bored to 3421cc and produced around 415 bhp).



How much horsepower does a Mercury Capri XR2 have?


132 hp
During its entire production, the Mercury Capri was sold under two trim levels: base trim and XR2, distinguished largely by the powertrain. 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.



Did Ford Capri ever have V8?


An exception, though, was the Perana manufactured by Basil Green Motors near Johannesburg, which was powered first by a 3.0 Essex engine and then by a 302ci V8 Ford Windsor engine after Ford South Africa began offering 3.0 Essex-engined options.


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Kevin Bennett

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Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.