2009 Ford Taurus vs. 1971 Lincoln Continental
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lincoln Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lincoln Continental would be higher. At 7,542 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Lincoln Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Taurus (260 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1971 Lincoln Continental. (217 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1971 Lincoln Continental. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 1364 kg more than 2009 Ford Taurus.
Because 1971 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 1971 Lincoln Continental. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1971 Lincoln Continental (488 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Taurus. (249 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1971 Lincoln Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Taurus | 1971 Lincoln Continental | |
| Make | Ford | Lincoln |
| Model | Taurus | Continental |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 7542 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 249 Nm | 488 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 2330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 5720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 3230 mm |
