1983 Lincoln Continental vs. 1989 Mazda 323
To start off, 1989 Mazda 323 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Lincoln Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Lincoln Continental would be higher. At 4,940 cc (8 cylinders), 1983 Lincoln Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mazda 323 (140 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1983 Lincoln Continental. (129 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1983 Lincoln Continental. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 554 kg more than 1989 Mazda 323.
Because 1983 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 1983 Lincoln Continental. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Mazda 323, 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, 1983 Lincoln Continental (310 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda 323. (164 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1983 Lincoln Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lincoln Continental | 1989 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Lincoln | Mazda |
| Model | Continental | 323 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4940 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1046 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2510 mm |
