1981 Lincoln Continental vs. 2013 BMW X5
To start off, 2013 BMW X5 is newer by 32 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, 2013 BMW X5 (395 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 266 more horse power than 1981 Lincoln Continental. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW X5 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lincoln Continental. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW X5 weights approximately 585 kg more than 1981 Lincoln Continental. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 BMW X5 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Lincoln Continental. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 BMW X5 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2013 BMW X5 (610 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 297 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lincoln Continental. (313 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2013 BMW X5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lincoln Continental.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lincoln Continental | 2013 BMW X5 | |
| Make | Lincoln | BMW |
| Model | Continental | X5 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 395 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 313 Nm | 610 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 2440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5570 mm | 4857 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 2197 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1776 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2933 mm |
