2003 Dodge Stratus vs. 1979 Lincoln Continental
To start off, 2003 Dodge Stratus is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Lincoln Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Lincoln Continental would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Lincoln Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Dodge Stratus (146 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1979 Lincoln Continental. (138 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Dodge Stratus should accelerate faster than 1979 Lincoln Continental. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 520 kg more than 2003 Dodge Stratus.
Because 1979 Lincoln Continental 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 1979 Lincoln Continental. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Dodge Stratus, 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, 1979 Lincoln Continental (359 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Dodge Stratus. (214 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Lincoln Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Dodge Stratus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Dodge Stratus | 1979 Lincoln Continental | |
| Make | Dodge | Lincoln |
| Model | Stratus | Continental |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 5766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 214 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2990 mm |
