1999 Lincoln Continental vs. 2004 BMW 318
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Lincoln Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Lincoln Continental would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Lincoln Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Lincoln Continental (217 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lincoln Continental should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 275 kg more than 2004 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 BMW 318 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 2004 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Lincoln Continental (372 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1999 Lincoln Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Lincoln Continental | 2004 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Lincoln | BMW |
| Model | Continental | 318 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 372 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5300 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 63 L |
