1979 Lincoln Continental vs. 2010 Mazda 3
To start off, 2010 Mazda 3 is newer by 31 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, 2010 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1979 Lincoln Continental. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Lincoln Continental. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 555 kg more than 2010 Mazda 3.
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, 2010 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, 1979 Lincoln Continental (313 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Lincoln Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lincoln Continental | 2010 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Lincoln | Mazda |
| Model | Continental | 3 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6554 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 313 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5570 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2639 mm |
