1981 Lincoln Continental vs. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 26 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, 1981 Lincoln Continental (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lincoln Continental should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 624 kg more than 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle. 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, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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 143 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1981 Lincoln Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lincoln Continental | 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Lincoln | Volkswagen |
| Model | Continental | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 313 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5570 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2510 mm |
