GERMAN KNOW-HOW

The 944’s controls are appreciably heavier than the Capri’s. Both cars have assisted steering, though whereas at speed the Ford’s steering is lighter and less communicative, a firmer hand is required to direct the Porsche, giving it a more stable and precise feel. This, as much as the aforementioned progressive throttle, is what makes it so easy to access its top-end performance. However, a heavier clutch and gearchange can become tiresome on extended journeys; it would be a stretch to say that the Capri’s shift action is slick, but it’s easier to slot between gears than the Porsche despite the longer travel and less positive feel.

A lack of grip isn’t an issue for either car, even in wet conditions. You’d expect the 944 to embarrass the Ford’s live rear axle and less sophisticated chassis on challenging B-road bends, but that’s not the case. Admittedly, care is needed to keep the Capri off boost until you’re fully through a corner, but both cars follow intended lines with absolutely no body roll.

Both coupés feature all-round disc brakes, but the Porsche’s are stronger and faster-acting, giving the 944 a slight edge when it comes to consistently achieving desired corner entry speeds.

Where the benefits of the 944’s independent rear suspension are felt the most is in terms of its ride, which is exemplary. Firmly-sprung, with a good level of feedback through the controls, road imperfections are simultaneously smoothed out, yet communicated to the driver. The ride improves the faster you’re travelling, giving the impression of effortless cruising. The same is true of the Capri, but bumps and ridges in the road can feel jarring and unsettle the back axle on occasions.

In the Capri’s defence, its figure-hugging Recaro seats do much to dampen any discomfort, while keeping you pinned in place. The Porsche is also fitted with Recaros, though these electronicallyadjustable items with integrated headrests and aren’t required to support the driver as effectively, owing to the superior ride.

The most surprising element of this comparison, then, is that two cars that are so similar on paper can provide such different experiences on the road – the 944 is undoubtedly the more competent machine, but that’s not to say that driving the Capri is any less entertaining.

’You’d expect the 944 to embarrass the less sophisticated Capri on B-roads, but not so’

capri Tickford cost the same as a rover sD1 Vitesse in period – and offers similar performance. The 944 Turbo was considered a match (and then some) for the 911 carrera when new.

clever ecU programming means that the 944 Turbo’s output is the same with or without a catalytic converter.

capri‘s Turbo is easy to access, positioned as it is just ahead of the cologne V6.