2008 Ford Taurus vs. 1983 Lincoln Continental
To start off, 2008 Ford Taurus is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Lincoln Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Lincoln Continental would be higher. At 4,940 cc (8 cylinders), 1983 Lincoln Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1983 Lincoln Continental. (129 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1983 Lincoln Continental. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 490 kg more than 2008 Ford Taurus.
Because 1983 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 1983 Lincoln Continental. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus, 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, 2008 Ford Taurus (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Lincoln Continental. (310 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Lincoln Continental.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Taurus | 1983 Lincoln Continental | |
| Make | Ford | Lincoln |
| Model | Taurus | Continental |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3495 cc | 4940 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2760 mm |
