The correct comparison is: The mantle’s mass is less than the core’s mass, but with less density.
To clarify:
- The Earth's mantle has a significant volume and mass, but it is less dense compared to the core, which is composed primarily of iron and nickel and is much denser.
- The core has a greater mass than the mantle despite it being smaller in volume because of its higher density.
So, in summary, the mantle has a mass that is less than that of the core, and it also has a lower density compared to the core.