2002 Mercury Villager vs. 1981 Plymouth Horizon
To start off, 2002 Mercury Villager is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Plymouth Horizon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Plymouth Horizon would be higher. At 3,274 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Mercury Villager is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercury Villager (168 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1981 Plymouth Horizon. (62 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercury Villager should accelerate faster than 1981 Plymouth Horizon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercury Villager weights approximately 785 kg more than 1981 Plymouth Horizon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Mercury Villager (271 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Plymouth Horizon. (115 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2002 Mercury Villager will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Plymouth Horizon.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercury Villager | 1981 Plymouth Horizon | |
| Make | Mercury | Plymouth |
| Model | Villager | Horizon |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3274 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2530 mm |
