1973 Lincoln Continental vs. 2013 Mazda 3
To start off, 2013 Mazda 3 is newer by 40 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 50 more horse power than 2013 Mazda 3. (167 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Lincoln Continental should accelerate faster than 2013 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 1031 kg more than 2013 Mazda 3. 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, 2013 Mazda 3, 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 260 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Lincoln Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Mazda 3. 1973 Lincoln Continental has automatic transmission and 2013 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2013 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Lincoln Continental will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Lincoln Continental | 2013 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Lincoln | Mazda |
| Model | Continental | 3 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7542 cc | 2489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2334 kg | 1303 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5720 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3230 mm | 2640 mm |
