1997 Lincoln Continental vs. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 7 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, 1997 Lincoln Continental (217 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lincoln Continental should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 490 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. 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, 1997 Lincoln Continental (372 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1997 Lincoln Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. 1997 Lincoln Continental has automatic transmission and 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle 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 | 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Lincoln | Volkswagen |
| Model | Continental | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 1388 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 372 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.1 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5250 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 55 L |
