1996 Lincoln Continental vs. 2012 BMW 328
To start off, 2012 BMW 328 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lincoln Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lincoln Continental would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Lincoln Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 328 (230 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1996 Lincoln Continental. (218 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 328 should accelerate faster than 1996 Lincoln Continental. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 15 kg more than 2012 BMW 328.
Because 2012 BMW 328 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 2012 BMW 328. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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 Lincoln Continental (372 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 328. (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1996 Lincoln Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 328. 1996 Lincoln Continental has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW 328 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW 328 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Lincoln Continental will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lincoln Continental | 2012 BMW 328 | |
| Make | Lincoln | BMW |
| Model | Continental | 328 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 372 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5250 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1384 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 57 L |
