Nowadays, of course, it would be considered lethargic.
Mate of mine, who was a dealer, thought his 2.8 Capri was "a beast"
Lethargic is a little harsh, but they're certainly no longer fast in stock form.
Driven loads of 2.8i, and a 3.0l is much better under 100mph: it will pull 3rd gear from barely moving round to about 5500rpm(if you can stand waiting the last 750rpm as a stock 3.0l runs out of breath under 5k). Both cars have the same 3.02 axle ratio, and a 3.44 from a 2.0l Capri improves the 2.8i acceleration but spoils the cruising ability too much for me even with the weak 5speed 'box. Fitting a 2.0l axle to a 3.0l car just spoils both; it actually increases the 1/4mile time!
A 3.0l is more fun to drive, a 2.8i is a really good cruiser.
I prefer a 2.0l as it is a much better all-round combination than either.
It used to be possible to do this to a 2.8i for under £200:
