1997 Lincoln Continental vs. 2002 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2002 Nissan Altima is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Lincoln Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Lincoln Continental would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Lincoln Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Nissan Altima (247 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1997 Lincoln Continental. (217 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1997 Lincoln Continental. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 335 kg more than 2002 Nissan Altima.
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, 1997 Lincoln Continental (372 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Nissan Altima. (338 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1997 Lincoln Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Nissan Altima. 1997 Lincoln Continental has automatic transmission and 2002 Nissan Altima has manual transmission. 2002 Nissan Altima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Lincoln Continental will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lincoln Continental | 2002 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Lincoln | Nissan |
| Model | Continental | Altima |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 3505 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 372 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.1 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1415 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5250 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 73 L |
