Hello, Wilbur.
I checked my notes and found some weight vs. performance numbers that I got from old magazine articles in a book called "Falcon Performance Portfolio". There is some variation in transmissions and differential ratios, but for two cars with the same 170 motor the sedan is 346 lbs lighter than the convertible. That 346 lbs difference makes the sedan 5.3 seconds quicker from 0 - 60 mpg with a standard transmission and 6.4 seconds quicker with a Ford-O-Matic. That 346 lb weight difference (which isn't really that much) has a surprisingly huge impact on performance.
1961 - 170 Six Cylinder Sedan, 2,408 lb.
3-speed: 0 – 60 mph in 14.3 seconds with a 3.20:1 differential
Ford-O-Matic: 0 – 60 mph in 15.2 seconds with a 3.50:1 differential
1963 - 170 Six Cylinder Convertible, 2,754 lbs
4-speed: 0 – 60 mph in 19.6 seconds with a 3.50:1 differential.
Ford-O-Matic: 0 – 60 mph in 21.6 seconds with a 3.20:1 differential.
Also, the standard 22F battery weighs 31 lbs and the heavy-duty 24F battery weighs 42 lbs (11 lbs heavier). I saw this note in an internet discussion: "Keep in mind the battery is all the way towards the front and you will benefit (if only slightly) in handling with a smaller (lighter) battery."
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