1981 Mercury Lynx vs. 2002 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2002 Ford Explorer is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercury Lynx. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercury Lynx would be higher. At 4,016 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Lynx. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Lynx. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Explorer weights approximately 989 kg more than 1981 Mercury Lynx. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Ford Explorer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Mercury Lynx. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Ford Explorer 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, 2002 Ford Explorer (321 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Lynx. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Lynx.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Lynx | 2002 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Mercury | Ford |
| Model | Lynx | Explorer |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 4016 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 321 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 100.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 84.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1939 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 5240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 3070 mm |
