1979 Lincoln Continental vs. 2011 Lexus IS
To start off, 2011 Lexus IS is newer by 32 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 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Lincoln Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lexus IS (306 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1979 Lincoln Continental. (138 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1979 Lincoln Continental. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 300 kg more than 2011 Lexus IS.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2011 Lexus IS (375 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lincoln Continental. (359 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lincoln Continental.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lincoln Continental | 2011 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Lincoln | Lexus |
| Model | Continental | IS |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 359 Nm | 375 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5570 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1425 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2728 mm |
