Is the 1991 Mercury Capri FWD or RWD?
The 1991 Mercury Capri is front-wheel drive (FWD).
In the early 1990s, Mercury revived the Capri name for a compact two-door coupe that rode on Ford's front-drive platform, sharing engineering with the Ford Probe rather than the older rear-wheel-drive Capris of the 1970s and 1980s.
Background on the Capri drivetrain lineage
The Capri name has a mixed history in the United States. Earlier Mercury Capri models were built on rear-wheel-drive platforms (notably the Fox platform used by many Ford/Mercury models in that era). By 1991, the Capri returned as a front-wheel-drive model derived from Ford’s contemporary front-drive lineup, aligning with the Probe’s engineering and layout.
Platform and layout details
The 1991 Capri was developed on Ford’s front-wheel-drive underpinnings, featuring a transversely mounted engine and front-wheel-drive drivetrain. This was in line with other early-1990s Ford/Mercury front-drive coupes, and it marked a shift away from the rear-wheel-drive Capri heritage of prior decades.
Implications for enthusiasts and owners
For collectors or prospective buyers, the drivetrain choice affects maintenance, parts sourcing, and driving characteristics. The FWD layout typically offered different handling traits, weight distribution, and service considerations compared with the classic rear-wheel-drive Capris of earlier eras.
Summary
In short, the 1991 Mercury Capri is front-wheel drive (FWD), reflecting Ford's strategy in that era to place the Capri name on a front-drive, Probe-based platform rather than the older rear-wheel-drive lineage.
Conclusion: The Capri of this era represents a shift in design philosophy for the nameplate, prioritizing front-wheel-drive architecture common to late-1980s and early-1990s American sport coupes.
How much is a 1991 Mercury Capri worth?
The value of a 1991 Mercury Capri varies significantly, but it generally ranges from roughly $1,600 to $5,100 for a base model, while a rare XR2 Turbo model can be worth more. Factors like condition, mileage, and whether it's the XR2 Turbo trim are the most important determinants of its market price. You can get a more specific estimate by checking current listings on sites like Edmunds, Classic.com, or Classics on Autotrader.
Factors affecting value
- Condition and mileage: Lower mileage and better condition will result in a higher price. Listings show examples from a few thousand dollars for high-mileage cars to nearly $15,000 for a low-mileage XR2 model.
- Trim level: The XR2 Turbo convertible is a more valuable and sought-after model than the standard base convertible.
- Market trends: The overall value is influenced by the current classic and used car market, which can fluctuate.
Estimated value ranges
- Base Model: Roughly $1,600 to $5,100 depending on condition and mileage.
- XR2 Turbo: Can sell for significantly more, with some low-mileage examples listed for close to $15,000, while a high-mileage example might be closer to the base model range.
Is the Mercury Capri FWD or RWD?
While both two-door convertibles similar in size and price, the Mercury Capri and Mazda MX-5 featured major departures in powertrain and interior configurations, with the Capri adopting a front-wheel-drive powertrain.
Is a Ford Capri RWD?
The Ford Capri Extended Range RWD is a full electric vehicle (BEV). The maximum power of the Ford Capri Extended Range RWD is 210 kW (282 hp). The maximum torque is 402 lb-ft. The Ford Capri Extended Range RWD is rear wheel drive and can accelerate from 0 to 62 miles per hour in 6.4 seconds.
What engine does a 1991 Mercury Capri have?
The 1991 Mercury Capri had two main engine options: a base 1.6L DOHC 4-cylinder engine, which produced 100 horsepower, and a turbocharged version for the XR2 model that generated 132 horsepower. Both were inline-four gasoline engines.
You can watch this video to learn more about the 1991 Mercury Capri's engine and performance: 1mMotorWeekYouTube · May 30, 2019
- Base Engine: A naturally aspirated 1.6L DOHC 4-cylinder engine.
- Horsepower: 100 hp @ 5,750 rpm
- Torque: 95 lb-ft @ 5,500 rpm
- XR2 Model Engine: A turbocharged and intercooled version of the 1.6L DOHC 4-cylinder.
- Horsepower: 132 hp
- Torque: 135 lb-ft
