2003 Lincoln Continental vs. 1988 Lincoln Town Car
To start off, 2003 Lincoln Continental is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lincoln Town Car. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lincoln Town Car would be higher. At 4,940 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Lincoln Town Car is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lincoln Continental (217 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1988 Lincoln Town Car. (148 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lincoln Continental should accelerate faster than 1988 Lincoln Town Car. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lincoln Town Car weights approximately 80 kg more than 2003 Lincoln Continental.
Because 1988 Lincoln Town Car 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 1988 Lincoln Town Car. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Lincoln Continental (372 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lincoln Town Car. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Lincoln Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lincoln Town Car.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lincoln Continental | 1988 Lincoln Town Car | |
| Make | Lincoln | Lincoln |
| Model | Continental | Town Car |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 4940 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 372 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5250 mm | 5570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2990 mm |
