2008 Ford Explorer vs. 1979 Lincoln Continental
To start off, 2008 Ford Explorer is newer by 29 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 6,554 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Lincoln Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1979 Lincoln Continental. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1979 Lincoln Continental. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 222 kg more than 1979 Lincoln Continental. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 Ford Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lincoln Continental. (313 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lincoln Continental.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Explorer | 1979 Lincoln Continental | |
| Make | Ford | Lincoln |
| Model | Explorer | Continental |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 6554 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 313 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 5570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2990 mm |
