1971 Lincoln Continental vs. 1990 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1990 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lincoln Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lincoln Continental would be higher. At 7,542 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Lincoln Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lincoln Continental (217 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. (161 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lincoln Continental should accelerate faster than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 1253 kg more than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Lincoln Continental is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1971 Lincoln Continental. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Golf, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1971 Lincoln Continental (488 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 263 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 Lincoln Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. 1971 Lincoln Continental has automatic transmission and 1990 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1990 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Lincoln Continental will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Lincoln Continental | 1990 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lincoln | Volkswagen |
| Model | Continental | Golf |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7542 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2330 kg | 1077 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5720 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3230 mm | 2480 mm |
