1961 Ford Zodiac vs. 1999 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 1999 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 4,948 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercury Mountaineer (212 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1961 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 764 kg more than 1961 Ford Zodiac. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Mercury Mountaineer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1961 Ford Zodiac. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Mountaineer will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1999 Mercury Mountaineer (390 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ford Zodiac. (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Ford Zodiac | 1999 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Zodiac | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 4948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 212 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 390 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1191 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2840 mm |
