You are measuring the wrong metrics.
The F-35 is FAR superior to the F-16 as currently outfitted.
Stealth, Avionics and Weapons Systems outclass ANYTHING the F-16 has to offer.
While it's true the F-16 beats it in acrobatics and range, that matters little in modern warfare from 100 miles out.
That said, ALL of those capabilities could be added to the F-16 except for the stealth.
But there's not a trillion dollars to be skimmed by the Congress to do that.
I'd like to see some F-15s, F-16s and F/A-18s fitted with the same level of weapons and avionics as the F-35 (including the $400K helmet and related sensors), just to better evaluate the advantages that the remaining differences truly offer.
I’m aware of all the avionics upgrades, radar capabilities and even with all that the F-35 may know something is out there at 100 miles but it can’t do a damn thing about it.
Weapons wise its pathetic and has numerous problems especially in the weapons bay and air-to-air wise they carry the same weapons every other fighter carries, air to ground what’s planned for the F-35 is one thing, getting them on there is another.
F-35 is tax payer nightmare and all the money being thrown at it is just more taxpayer waste. If they scrapped it now we’d be better off.