1997 Lincoln Continental vs. 2012 Jaguar XJ
To start off, 2012 Jaguar XJ is newer by 15 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 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Jaguar XJ is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Jaguar XJ (470 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 253 more horse power than 1997 Lincoln Continental. (217 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Jaguar XJ should accelerate faster than 1997 Lincoln Continental. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Jaguar XJ weights approximately 192 kg more than 1997 Lincoln Continental. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Jaguar XJ 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 Jaguar XJ. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 2012 Jaguar XJ (574 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 202 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Lincoln Continental. (372 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2012 Jaguar XJ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Lincoln Continental.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lincoln Continental | 2012 Jaguar XJ | |
| Make | Lincoln | Jaguar |
| Model | Continental | XJ |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 470 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 372 Nm | 574 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| 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 | 1942 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5250 mm | 5127 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1895 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1456 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 3032 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 82 L |
