1971 Lincoln Continental vs. 2011 Ford Fusion
To start off, 2011 Ford Fusion is newer by 40 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, 2011 Ford Fusion (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1971 Lincoln Continental. (217 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Fusion should accelerate faster than 1971 Lincoln Continental. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 701 kg more than 2011 Ford Fusion.
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, 2011 Ford Fusion, 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 151 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Ford Fusion. (337 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1971 Lincoln Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Ford Fusion.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Lincoln Continental | 2011 Ford Fusion | |
| Make | Lincoln | Ford |
| Model | Continental | Fusion |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7542 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 337 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2330 kg | 1629 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5720 mm | 4841 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1834 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1445 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3230 mm | 2728 mm |
