2003 Ford Mustang vs. 1981 Lincoln Continental
To start off, 2003 Ford Mustang is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lincoln Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lincoln Continental would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Lincoln Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 1981 Lincoln Continental. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1981 Lincoln Continental. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 279 kg more than 2003 Ford Mustang.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 2003 Ford Mustang (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lincoln Continental. (313 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lincoln Continental.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Mustang | 1981 Lincoln Continental | |
| Make | Ford | Lincoln |
| Model | Mustang | Continental |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 313 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1576 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 5570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2990 mm |
