1979 Lincoln Continental vs. 2003 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2003 Opel Vectra is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Lincoln Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Lincoln Continental would be higher. At 6,554 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Lincoln Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Vectra (173 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1979 Lincoln Continental. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1979 Lincoln Continental. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 270 kg more than 2003 Opel Vectra.
Because 1979 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 1979 Lincoln Continental. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Opel Vectra, 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, 1979 Lincoln Continental (313 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Vectra. (265 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1979 Lincoln Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Vectra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lincoln Continental | 2003 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Lincoln | Opel |
| Model | Continental | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6554 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 313 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 101.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5570 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2710 mm |
