Electric icons vs classic petrol power

Hmm, here’s controversial. Is the revitalisation of older, iconic vehicles that captured the hearts of previous generations, powered by electric motors sacrilege or should we just embrace the electric revolution and get over ourselves? 

Whether we like it or not the electric revolution has brought with it a surprising twist. Manufacturers that have famous name badges have decided that the best way to win the game is to revive them using electric power. 

From Ford’s reimagined Capri EV, to the funky, retro-futuristic Renault 5 E-Tech, the charming Fiat 500 Electric, and the muscular (but battery-powered) Mustang Mach-E, manufacturers are reaching back into their archives to shape the future. But for classic car fans - especially those who remember the smell of petrol and the rumble of a carb-fed engine - these modern interpretations raise a pressing question: can you really recapture the spirit of a classic without the internal combustion engine? 

Let’s take a closer look at how these electric revivals stack up against their original counterparts - not just in terms of performance or design, but in soul. 

Ford Capri: from coupe to crossover 

Then: The original Ford Capri, launched in 1969, was Europe’s answer to the Mustang - a stylish coupe aimed at the everyman, but with enough sporting pedigree to capture the hearts of enthusiasts. From the Mk1 to the much-loved Mk3, the Capri was affordable, rear-wheel-drive fun, often seen sideways in a cloud of tyre smoke. 

Now: In 2025, the Capri is back - but not as we knew it. The new Ford Capri EV is a sleek, coupe-styled electric crossover, built on Volkswagen’s MEB platform. It’s fast, quiet, packed with tech, and undeniably good-looking - but it’s a world away from the analogue, raw experience of the original. 

Verdict: It may carry the badge and some styling cues, but the electric Capri is more spiritual successor than direct descendant. A great car, yes - but for many, the classic still has the charm.

Renault 5: retro chic recharged 

Then: The Renault 5 of the '70s and '80s was cheeky, compact and affordable - a true people’s car. It had bags of French character, whether in humble everyday trim or fire-breathing Turbo form, beloved by rally fans and hot hatch enthusiasts alike. 

Now: The Renault 5 E-Tech is one of the most faithful retro revivals we’ve seen. It blends modern EV tech with a truly nostalgic design. Square headlights, boxy proportions, and flashes of colour bring back memories of simpler motoring, while offering zero-emissions and up to 250 miles of range. 

Verdict: Of all the EV reboots, the R5 might be the one that hits the sweet spot - keeping the quirky charm while updating the bits that make sense. Classic Renault fans may raise an eyebrow at the lack of engine note, but there's plenty to love. 

Fiat 500: electric evolution or iconic imposter? 

Then: First launched in 1957, the original Cinquecento was a true urban hero. Small, simple, and full of Italian soul, the Fiat 500 became a cultural icon. Its 2-cylinder engine was never fast, but it made every journey feel like an adventure. 

Now: Of course, the modern electric version is an ‘update’ on the modern version that was revived in 2007 so not much different in terms of look. The Fiat 500 Electric is stylish, smart, and more premium than its humble 50s ancestor. The Electric version was launched in 2020 and still going strong: it’s one of the most successful electric city cars in Europe. With smooth power delivery and high-end trim options, it’s an accomplished modern runabout. 

Verdict: The EV version wins on practicality and polish but it can’t really hold a candle to the original version that oozed charm. Classic 500 owners know: sometimes less is more - especially when it makes the right noise. 

Ford Mustang: from muscle to Mach-E 

Then: The Mustang has always been about attitude. Big engines, bold styling, and a soundtrack that makes petrolheads go weak at the knees. Whether it was a ‘60s fastback or a burly GT from the 2000s, the Mustang never pretended to be sensible. 

Now: Enter the Mustang Mach-E - an electric SUV with Mustang badges, tail-lights and performance figures that would embarrass many V8s. But here’s the rub: it’s an SUV. And it’s silent. And despite the power, many classic fans can’t help but feel it’s wearing someone else’s clothes. 

Verdict: The Mach-E is a great EV. But is it a Mustang? That depends on how you define the word. If "Mustang" means sound, smell, and sideways fun - then the originals still rule the roost. 

Why the past is important… with an eye on the future 

Classic vehicles are more than just machines. They're time capsules - tactile, imperfect, and full of personality. No screen can replicate the feeling of a manual choke on a cold morning, the mechanical clunk of a gearbox, or the smell of warm oil after a summer drive. 

Electric cars bring many benefits - instant torque, lower emissions, fewer moving parts - and the industry’s move toward EVs is, for many reasons, inevitable. But the soul of a car? That’s harder to replicate. 

However, both new and old have value - and that there’s room for both in the garage. For some, an electric Renault 5 might be the perfect guilt-free city car, while a petrol Capri sits proudly as a weekend toy. If you are lucky enough to have a ‘fleet’ like that, then you definitely have the best of both worlds.