1980 Ford Falcon vs. 2011 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2011 Mercury Mariner is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 3,273 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercury Mariner (171 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1980 Ford Falcon. (109 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Falcon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 145 kg more than 1980 Ford Falcon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Ford Falcon 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 1980 Ford Falcon. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mercury Mariner, 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, 2011 Mercury Mariner (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Falcon. (228 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Falcon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Falcon | 2011 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Falcon | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3273 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4458 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1806 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1778 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2619 mm |
