Cohort Pic(k) of the Day: 1965 Comet and 1964 Fairlane: What’s The Difference Anyway? Not Very Much

The trio of Falcon, Comet and Fairlane have always intrigued me, because of their somewhat confusing similarities and differences. This shot of these two by canadiancatgreen begs the question: just what are they? This inquiring mind wants to know.

Here’s the key dimensions that put these in proper perspective. It’s not news that the 1960-1965 Comet was based on the Falcon inner body/chassis, but had a pretty significant wheelbase stretch, to the rear.

Those extra four and a half inches back there only contributed to a 0.8″ increase in rear seat leg room, so it was of course mostly for show. But all the other key interior dimensions, they were identical.

The Fairlane was heavily Falcon-based, but it really did have a new slightly wider body along with a 2″ wider front track and a longer wheelbase (115.5″). The interior dimensions show that mainly in increased width, roughly between one to two inches. Not exactly significant, but still better than a Falcon or Comet for those families of six taking cross-country vacation trips, like the Niedermeyers.

Note that I left out the ’62-’63 Meteor. Why? because automobilecatalog.com doesn’t have detailed specs for it yet. But there’s no doubt in my mind that they are essentially identical to the Fairlane, as they did share the same body. But the Meteor had a one inch longer wheelbase, at 116.5″.  And was that in the front or back? That’s another one of those obscure mysteries, but I’m 99% it was in the rear. Unibody cars are not at all easily changed in the critical front area, where the cowl and inner fender structure make up the crucial support for the front suspension. But the leaf spring real axle could easily be moved back, unless they did the same thing Dodge and Plymouth did, meaning it wasn’t really any different, except for the rounding factor.

 

Related reading:

The Falcon Platform: 18 Different wheelbase/width combinations   PN