1971 Lincoln Continental vs. 2002 Acura CL
To start off, 2002 Acura CL is newer by 31 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, 2002 Acura CL (260 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1971 Lincoln Continental. (217 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Acura CL should accelerate faster than 1971 Lincoln Continental. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 750 kg more than 2002 Acura CL.
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, 2002 Acura CL, 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 173 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Acura CL. (315 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1971 Lincoln Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Acura CL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Lincoln Continental | 2002 Acura CL | |
| Make | Lincoln | Acura |
| Model | Continental | CL |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7542 cc | 3210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6900 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2330 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5720 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3230 mm | 2580 mm |
