1974 Lincoln Continental vs. 2012 BMW X3
To start off, 2012 BMW X3 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lincoln Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lincoln Continental would be higher. At 7,541 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Lincoln Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW X3 (256 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1974 Lincoln Continental. (217 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1974 Lincoln Continental. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 455 kg more than 2012 BMW X3.
Because 2012 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1974 Lincoln Continental. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 BMW X3 (560 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lincoln Continental. (488 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lincoln Continental.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lincoln Continental | 2012 BMW X3 | |
| Make | Lincoln | BMW |
| Model | Continental | X3 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7541 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2330 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5720 mm | 4648 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1881 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1675 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3230 mm | 2810 mm |
