Ford Falcon versus PlymouthValiant
filed in Misc Car Questions
Question: I’m in the process of deciding between two above-average samples of a 1965 Ford Falcon and a 1966 Plymouth Valiant. I’m looking for a dependable car to last me the next 6 months or so and what I could really use is a little experience with the Falcon.
Both cars have automatic trannies (sigh) but both also have inline sixes. The valiant is pretty damn ugly while the Falcon is, well, pretty. The bodies have comparable amount of rust, and both were grandma’s grocery getter for years.
I’m more than aware of the legendary virtues of the Plymouth’s slant six but what of the Ford version of this type of engine? Is it nearly as bullet-proof? This is my main concern.
Any further information that will help me make this difficult decision is most appreciated!
Answer: I am willing to bet that the engine in the Falcon is the 170 inline 6. I have the same engine in a ‘69 Bronco (it is known as the Falcon 6) and it is a pretty good engine. Lots of torque at lower RPMs and pretty good mileage (I have gotten 18 highway with the Bronc). Its the same basic engine as the 200cid 6 (produced I think until 1983) and easy to work on and get parts. The engine was also seen in some Mustangs.
I am sure that either car is equal in terms of quality, parts, and durability. I would get the Ford myself, but I like the look of the Falcon.Is that 18 miles to the gallon? Isnt that kinda low, even for a truck? My Ford i6 has gotten as high as 35 mpg when its tuned up properly. Roughly the same. I’ve had a few, 170ci sixes with slush boxes. You didn’t go anywhere quickly, but you always went. I abused the hell out of the 65 Falcon for years, and it ran without fail. By abuse I mean getting it stuck up in a tree, floating it down a river once and regularly winding it up in first gear to listen to the valves float. No matter what I did, that car alway ran, and generally ran pretty well.
I’d place my money on the Falcon. I don’t think so. For a 28 year old Bronco? I have a friend with a late 80’s Bronco II who got worse than that. What kind of truck do you have that gets 35mpg? Keep in mind that the old Bronc is carburated and your new truck is fuel injected which gives a mileage increase.
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