1981 Lincoln Continental vs. 2002 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2002 Lotus Exige is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lincoln Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lincoln Continental would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Lincoln Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1981 Lincoln Continental. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1981 Lincoln Continental. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 1075 kg more than 2002 Lotus Exige.
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, 1981 Lincoln Continental (313 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Exige. (181 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1981 Lincoln Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lincoln Continental | 2002 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Lincoln | Lotus |
| Model | Continental | Exige |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 313 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5570 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2310 mm |
