1996 Lincoln Continental vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat 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, 1996 Lincoln Continental (218 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lincoln Continental should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 289 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. 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 132 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1996 Lincoln Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lincoln Continental | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Lincoln | Volkswagen |
| Model | Continental | Passat |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 372 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5250 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 70 L |
