1996 Audi A8 vs. 1981 Lincoln Continental
To start off, 1996 Audi A8 is newer by 15 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, 1996 Audi A8 (300 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 1981 Lincoln Continental. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lincoln Continental. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 135 kg more than 1996 Audi A8.
Because 1996 Audi A8 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Lincoln Continental. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Audi A8 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, 1996 Audi A8 (400 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lincoln Continental. (313 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lincoln Continental.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Audi A8 | 1981 Lincoln Continental | |
| Make | Audi | Lincoln |
| Model | A8 | Continental |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4172 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 313 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.6 mm | 101.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 5570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2990 mm |
