1981 Lincoln Continental vs. 1974 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1981 Lincoln Continental is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Lincoln Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lincoln Continental (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lincoln Continental should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 935 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Lincoln Continental. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1981 Lincoln Continental (313 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 192 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (121 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1981 Lincoln Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lincoln Continental | 1974 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Lincoln | Volkswagen |
| Model | Continental | Passat |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 313 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5570 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2480 mm |
