| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1991 |
| Production Years: | 1990 - 1995 discontinued in 1995 |
The Mercury Capri III, produced from 1990 to 1995, stands as an iconic American cabriolet that combines sporty aesthetics with practical dimensions. This third generation of the Capri lineup continued Mercury’s tradition of offering a stylish and affordable convertible, enticing driving enthusiasts especially in the early 1990s. The Capri III features a compact yet balanced size ideal for an open-air driving experience without sacrificing maneuverability.
Despite its sporty image, the Capri III offers dimensions that make it approachable for everyday driving and urban environments. The vehicle typically measures approximately 4,330 mm (170.5 inches) in length, providing a nimble footprint that eases parking and tight cornering. Its width hovers around 1,760 mm (69.3 inches), ensuring a stable stance on the road and enough interior shoulder room for a comfortable ride. The height is approximately 1,270 mm (50 inches), contributing to the car's low-slung, aerodynamic appearance and lowering its center of gravity for improved handling.
Weighing in around 1,230 to 1,250 kg (2,710 to 2,756 lbs), the Capri III balances lightness with sufficient structural integrity, enhancing both performance and safety aspects. The convertible top design further elevates its appeal, offering open-air freedom that was highly sought after during its production years.
Overall, the Mercury Capri III cabriolet from 1990-1995 represents an attractive blend of size, style, and sporty charm, making it a compelling choice among compact convertibles of its era. Its dimensions ensure it remains practical for daily use, while its design and open-top configuration cater to drivers looking for a fun and spirited drive.
Discover the standout features that make the 1991 Mercury Capri III a leader in its class
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The 1991 Mercury Capri III Cabriolet measures approximately 4,275 mm (168.3 inches) in length, 1,695 mm (66.7 inches) in width, and 1,320 mm (51.9 inches) in height. These compact dimensions contribute to its sporty and nimble profile, making it suitable for urban environments and offering the typical low-slung stance expected from a sporty cabriolet of its era.
The 1991 Mercury Capri III Cabriolet has a curb weight of approximately 1,084 kg (2,390 lbs). This relatively light weight helps enhance its handling characteristics, providing agility and responsiveness on the road. The lighter weight also positively affects fuel economy and acceleration, making the Capri III an engaging car to drive with balanced dynamics typical of early 90s sporty convertibles.
The Mercury Capri III features a wheelbase of 2,497 mm (98.3 inches). This moderate wheelbase length strikes a balance between providing adequate interior space for a two-door convertible and maintaining a nimble, responsive ride. A longer wheelbase typically improves ride comfort, but the Capri’s size is optimized to offer a sporty driving feel without compromising cabin space for the driver and passenger.
The luggage capacity of the Mercury Capri III Cabriolet is relatively modest, reflecting its sporty and compact design. It offers roughly 200 liters (7.1 cubic feet) of trunk space with the convertible top up. While sufficient for small luggage or a couple of bags, the space is limited compared to larger sedans or hatchbacks, partly due to the folding convertible roof mechanism occupying part of the rear storage area.
Yes, the 1991 Mercury Capri III Cabriolet, with its length of 4,275 mm (168.3 inches) and width of 1,695 mm (66.7 inches), comfortably fits inside a standard residential garage. Most single-car garages measure about 6 meters (20 feet) in depth and 3 meters (10 feet) in width, so the Capri’s compact footprint means it has ample clearance for easy parking without concerns over door opening or maneuvering space.
Compared to the Mercury Capri II, which was produced until 1986, the Capri III is generally similar in size but slightly more refined in terms of design. The Capri II had comparable dimensions with minor differences in length and width—typically a few centimeters longer or wider depending on the year and trim. The third generation continued the lightweight, sporty convertible ethos with some aerodynamic and styling improvements, but overall footprint changes were minimal to keep the driving dynamics consistent.
The Mercury Capri III aligns closely with other compact convertibles of the early 1990s like the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Ford Mustang Convertible in terms of length and width. For instance, the Mazda MX-5 Miata measures about 3,970 mm (156 inches) long, slightly smaller than the Capri, while the Ford Mustang Convertible is larger, often exceeding 4,700 mm (185 inches). The Capri’s size positions it as a nimble, sporty option, more compact than muscle cars but a bit larger than the smallest roadsters.
The Mercury Capri III is designed as a two-door cabriolet primarily accommodating two passengers comfortably. The cabin emphasizes driver engagement over spaciousness. While exact interior dimensions vary slightly by trim, legroom and headroom are optimized within its compact footprint, offering adequate comfort for average-sized adults. The convertible roof mechanism slightly reduces rear passenger space making it more suited for two adults rather than a rear seating area.
The 1991 Mercury Capri III Cabriolet is praised for its sporty looks, lightweight construction, and handling agility. It was typically equipped with a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine producing around 100 horsepower, paired with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Its front-wheel-drive layout, combined with modest power and a light chassis, made it an affordable and fun convertible to drive. Features included manual or power convertible top operation, basic driver and passenger comforts, and an emphasis on open-air driving enjoyment rather than luxury or high-end performance.
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