1978 Ford Falcon vs. 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 4,013 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1978 Ford Falcon. (129 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Falcon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 545 kg more than 1978 Ford Falcon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Mercury Mountaineer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Ford Falcon. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Falcon. (263 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Falcon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Falcon | 2006 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Falcon | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3273 cc | 4013 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 263 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2890 mm |
