1996 Lincoln Continental vs. 2012 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2012 Ford Taurus 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 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1996 Lincoln Continental. (218 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1996 Lincoln Continental. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Taurus weights approximately 71 kg more than 1996 Lincoln Continental. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Taurus. (337 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Lincoln Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lincoln Continental | 2012 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Lincoln | Ford |
| Model | Continental | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 372 Nm | 337 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1821 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5250 mm | 5154 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1935 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2868 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 72 L |
