The Ford Mondeo Wagon 1.8 16v with a Sprite Alpine 4 with an actual weight of 1237 kg is in general a good match and suitable for journeys on most kinds of roads, sometimes with some limitations in the mountains.
The motor preformance of the Ford is in general sufficient. And also the weight of the Sprite with a User Payload (190 kg in the caravan and 200 kg in the car including passengers), is pretty good.
Flat roads
Towing Performance
182
91
Mountains
Risk of snaking
162
178
Weight ratio: 71% (81% of kerbweight)
1237 kg
1734 kg
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Ford Mondeo Wagon 1.8 16v Sprite Alpine 4
Actual Weights
Sprite Alpine 4: 1237 kg.
Ford Mondeo Wagon 1.8 16v: 1734 kg.
Noseweight: 70 kg.
Actual weight ratio: 71%.
Performance
The engine's performance is generally fairly good on flat roads (performance score to compare 182 points).
Speeds of 67 mph (108 km/h) to 73 mph (118 km/h) are often quite possible.
There is only very moderate power at low engine speeds (score to compare 91 points).
Slightly higher revs (3000 rpm) may be necessary under normal conditions on flat roads.
Acceleration from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) is theoretically possible in 25.4 sec.
In the mountains the performance is generally fairly good (score to compare 162 points).
No problems are to be expected on steep mountain roads but the performance is not that great. Hill starts are possible on steep slopes up to 11%, but do require some experience from the driver.
On motorway inclines the speed drops despite high revs.
A speed of 56 mph (90 km/h) is usually possible on most motorway inclines.
Weight
The towing limit of the Ford is more than sufficient (check this in your vehicle documents).
If you passed your driving test after 1 January 1997, a B driving license is enough.
Weight ratio between the laden caravan and the loaded car is 71%. Common in the UK: the weight ratio between the laden caravan and the kerbweight of the car is 81%.
There is a small chance of snaking at higher speeds, strong side winds and thoughtless driving. Even if the combination normally feels stable, the forces by deflection side to side are great at high speed. For drivers with knowledge of, and experience in driving a caravan it is safe to drive, but proper and careful loading is still important! An electronic stability system in the car and / or on the caravan is worth considering.
Recommended noseweight is 70 kg.
Safe speed up to 62 mph (100 km/h).
Stability and safety score to compare is 178 points.
If the caravan starts to snake you should reduce your speed and slow down directly! Lift your feet off the accelerator and brake gradually. Hold the steering wheel into a fixed position.
Conclusion
Performance is sufficient.
If the caravan is well loaded safe driving is possible.
It's a good match, sometimes with some limitations in the mountains.
Influence of User Payload on stability
Weight distribution and noseweight are vital in obtaining a stable caravan.