1981 Ford Crown Victoria vs. 1996 Lincoln Continental
To start off, 1996 Lincoln Continental is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Crown Victoria. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Crown Victoria would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Lincoln Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lincoln Continental (218 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1981 Ford Crown Victoria. (118 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lincoln Continental should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Crown Victoria. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 120 kg more than 1981 Ford Crown Victoria. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Ford Crown Victoria 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 1981 Ford Crown Victoria. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Lincoln Continental, 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, 1996 Lincoln Continental (372 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Crown Victoria. (262 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1996 Lincoln Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Crown Victoria.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Crown Victoria | 1996 Lincoln Continental | |
| Make | Ford | Lincoln |
| Model | Crown Victoria | Continental |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4186 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 262 Nm | 372 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 5250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2780 mm |
