In our last What To Drive In '75 episode, we saw the 1975 Ford Maverick Grabber beat the 1975 Oleg Cassini AMC Matador in the poll. Today we're going for an all-import matchup, though it's a classic GM-versus-Ford contest as well. The Opel Manta and Ford Capri were bitter sales rivals across the Atlantic, and both had sufficient sales in North America that they were not unfamiliar on our shores. So imagine it's 1975 and you need to buy a shiny new fuel-efficient-yet-sporty machine to drive a long distance to the Led Zep show (hey, it's the Physical Graffiti tour- you need the right ride if you want to groove properly on that 3-hour version of "Kashmir" later on!) So, what's it gonna be?
1975 Opel Manta Rallye
Anyone who's been following this site for a while knows that we like the Opel Manta (although, as the only Jalop who's actually endured Manta ownership, I'm not quite so affectionate about the little mini-Camaro from Der General's German factories). So here we go- you've stepped out of the time machine right in front of a Buick dealership, and you step into the showroom to price out a nice new Opel. Here's what you get:
- • Opel Manta Rallye with 4-Speed Transmission: $3061.02
- • Tinted Windshield: $23.97
- • Sunroof: $107.95
- • 4-Spoke Sport Wheels: $20.40
Total Price: $3213.34 ($12,479.23 in 2007 dollars)
1975 Capri 2800
Before you hand the Buick salesman your cash and zoom off to catch some self-indulgent Jimmy Page solos, better walk across the street to the Mercury dealership and scope out the '75 Capri. With the Capri's 2800cc V6, you got 109 horses to the Opel's 81 (and keep in mind that Ford's 302 V8 put out only 129 horsepower in '75), and parts were a lot easier to find. For a few bucks more than you'd pay for the Manta above, here's what you get with the Capri: - • Capri 2800 With 4-Speed Transmission: $3105.00
- • Sunroof: $121.82
- • Decor Group (includes console, simu-leather interior, map light, etc.): $152.56
Total Price: $3379.38 ($13,124.05 in 2007 dollars)
So make your choice, put on your finest polyester threads, and head straight to the car-stereo place to install an 8-track player (you'll need to listen to "Trampled Underfoot"- which probably cuts off in the middle of the song on 8-track- as you head out to the Zeppelin show).