1979 Ford Fairlane vs. 2002 Mercury Villager
To start off, 2002 Mercury Villager is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercury Villager (168 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1979 Ford Fairlane. (124 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercury Villager should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercury Villager weights approximately 385 kg more than 1979 Ford Fairlane. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Ford Fairlane is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1979 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Mercury Villager, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1979 Ford Fairlane (296 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercury Villager. (271 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercury Villager.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Fairlane | 2002 Mercury Villager | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Fairlane | Villager |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 3274 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2860 mm |
