Capri vs Mustang McLaren

rlyons13 · Post by **rlyons13** » Wed Apr 13, 2005 4:48 pm

Guys,

Guess right now I'm torn between an 86 vs 90 McLaren. I know the drivetrain and other differences between the two in non-McLaren form. I am also coming up to speed on the "McLaren" differences between the two different styles. What I curious about is your "gut" feeling on the visual impact of the two versions.

I have a very strong attachment to the Capri version, as it looks truely unique and is not readily identifable as a Fox-body. That fact hit me most so looking at the eBay pictures of the silver 86 currently on bid. To me, the 90 looks too much like a Mustang. Not that that's a bad thing, as I road race a 93 Cobra, refurbished a 93 convertible for my step-daughter and have owned an 88 GT. On the other hand, I've owned more 4-eyed cars.

Interestingly, my wife and other females I've asked like the more aero McLarens over the 4 eyed ones, which males seem to select as their favorite. So far, everyone I've accosted was not been a true "car" person. How do the car people on the list feel?

Tom S. · Post by **Tom S.** » Wed Apr 13, 2005 5:10 pm

Hi Bob, long time no see.

I'd take the 4-eye any day over the '90, more distinct looking and as I'm sure you know can be modified in such a way as to be as fast or faster than the '90 and look stock.

Sandy · Post by **Sandy** » Wed Apr 13, 2005 5:28 pm

I like both, equally ~ however, in THIS case - I REALLY like that Platinum Silver Capri 5.0SC on the web. I'd buy that one, especially with those 1-year ONLY Dark Charcoal Recaros. That car is "IT" ! My 2nd choice would be Snowball, as it's 1 of 3 made. You can't go wrong with that one, either. No shame in owning it!

Post by **negusm** » Wed Apr 13, 2005 5:30 pm

My heart lies with the Capris...but wouldn't knock the 87-90s either.

Like Tom says...to me the Capris are distinctive and rarely seen.

-Mike

n20capri · Post by **n20capri** » Wed Apr 13, 2005 5:45 pm

negusm wrote:My heart lies with the Capris...but wouldn't knock the 87-90s either.

Like Tom says...to me the Capris are distinctive and rarely seen.

-Mike

svt1996cobra · Post by **svt1996cobra** » Wed Apr 13, 2005 6:02 pm

While I think the ASC Mclaren Mustangs are sharp, I really like the Capri's, I vote for the Capri!

David

ponydude · Post by **ponydude** » Wed Apr 13, 2005 11:37 pm

I have to go with the Capris, especially since I own the flooded '85 Vert. Besides that, these 'verts started life as a Hatckback. It took a lot of engineering to make them convertibles. I have seen that, from completely disassembling this one.
Just my prejudiced opinion.

75coug · Post by **75coug** » Wed Apr 13, 2005 11:44 pm

I figure that I can be somewhat objective, since I have an '86 McLaren and I once owned a '91 GT that I loved dearly. I think that both the Capri and Mustang McLarens are awesome cars, but I would give the nod to the Capri versions.

Why? For one reason: For some reason, the Mustang McLarens look more like regular Mustangs than the '84-'86 cars do the Capri. I am not sure why this is the case; perhaps it is because there was never a convertible Capri.

MercRS · Post by **MercRS** » Thu Apr 14, 2005 1:39 am

I think I'll go with the Mercury

lightning95sc · Post by **lightning95sc** » Thu Apr 14, 2005 2:15 am

I've always liked the Capri over the Mustang because I felt the differences made the Capri more distinctive and classy. Mclarens were a bonus that turned into obsession.
Chuck

RARE-ASC · Post by **RARE-ASC** » Thu Apr 14, 2005 3:44 am

75coug wrote:I figure that I can be somewhat objective, since I have an '86 McLaren and I once owned a '91 GT that I loved dearly. I think that both the Capri and Mustang McLarens are awesome cars, but I would give the nod to the Capri versions.

Why? For one reason: For some reason, the Mustang McLarens look more like regular Mustangs than the '84-'86 cars do the Capri. I am not sure why this is the case; perhaps it is because there was never a convertible Capri.

I think you are right! but capris flaried fenders are what does it for me! truley unique over a stang and lower production#'s

fredzilla · Post by **fredzilla** » Thu Apr 14, 2005 12:50 pm

rlyons wrote:

Interestingly, my wife and other females I've asked like the more aero McLarens over the 4 eyed ones,

That about sums it up.

I would choose the CAPRI.

rlyons13 · Post by **rlyons13** » Thu Apr 14, 2005 7:13 pm

Guys,

Now, let me ask a follow-up question. A few of you have brought up the Mercury McLaren currently up on eBay (86 silver/gray). I also think it is a striking combo. However, it does have 132K. How bad do you think it would be to pull the engine as, instead of rebuilding, drop a FRP 5.0 crate engine in? I mean, would I be thrown out of the union for not being completely stock? I figure if I get the cast iron headed version, I can grind the "GT" off the heads and spot blast it to make it look cast, and no one should be the wiser unless they're as big a "Mustang Melvin" as I am. I have access to a chip burner, so it shouldn't be too big a deal to get the engine running smooth with the speed density system.

Also, does anyone know the history of the car, seen it in person or know the seller?

rlyons13 · Post by **rlyons13** » Thu Apr 14, 2005 7:13 pm

Guys,

Now, let me ask a follow-up question. A few of you have brought up the Mercury McLaren currently up on eBay (86 silver/gray). I also think it is a striking combo. However, it does have 132K. How bad do you think it would be to pull the engine as, instead of rebuilding, drop a FRP 5.0 crate engine in? I mean, would I be thrown out of the union for not being completely stock? I figure if I get the cast iron headed version, I can grind the "GT" off the heads and spot blast it to make it look cast, and no one should be the wiser unless they're as big a "Mustang Melvin" as I am. I have access to a chip burner, so it shouldn't be too big a deal to get the engine running smooth with the speed density system.

Also, does anyone know the history of the car, seen it in person or know the seller?

Tom S. · Post by **Tom S.** » Thu Apr 14, 2005 8:23 pm

I'm of the 'do as you please' persuasion. Part of the value of any car is the enjoyment you get from it.

I put over 30k miles on my '95 Cobra in 3 years and had a blast at track events and autocrossing it while people were telling me how rare it is and shouldn't be driven that way, same with my McLaren coupe.

In the end the memories of the fun I had are worth more than any monetary gain I would have realized had I left them in the garage. Both cars were changed from stock as needed to enhance said fun.

I say change as needed and pile on the miles and have a blast, you sure have with your Cobra, I see no difference.

As to the mileage on the car already, some SSP guys have cop Stangs with 200k-300k miles on them and they have held up well, some with original engines.

ascMcLaren Enthusiasts

Capri vs Mustang McLaren

Capri vs Mustang McLaren

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