1973 Lincoln Continental vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Lincoln Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Lincoln Continental would be higher. At 7,542 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Lincoln Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Lincoln Continental (217 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (140 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Lincoln Continental should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 934 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Lincoln Continental. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 1973 Lincoln Continental (488 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1973 Lincoln Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Lincoln Continental | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Lincoln | Volkswagen |
| Model | Continental | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7542 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2334 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5720 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3230 mm | 2651 mm |
