1996 Ford Mustang vs. 2003 Lincoln Continental
To start off, 2003 Lincoln Continental is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,655 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lincoln Continental (217 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1996 Ford Mustang. (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lincoln Continental should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 203 kg more than 1996 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Ford Mustang 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 1996 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Lincoln Continental, 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, 1996 Ford Mustang (386 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lincoln Continental. (372 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lincoln Continental. 2003 Lincoln Continental has automatic transmission and 1996 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1996 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Lincoln Continental will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Mustang | 2003 Lincoln Continental | |
| Make | Ford | Lincoln |
| Model | Mustang | Continental |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4655 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 372 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.9 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1547 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 5250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 75 L |
