2009 Ford Taurus vs. 1979 Lincoln Continental
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus is newer by 30 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, 2009 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1979 Lincoln Continental. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1979 Lincoln Continental. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 745 kg more than 2009 Ford Taurus.
Because 1979 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 1979 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, 2009 Ford Taurus (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lincoln Continental. (313 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lincoln Continental.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Taurus | 1979 Lincoln Continental | |
| Make | Ford | Lincoln |
| Model | Taurus | Continental |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 6554 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 313 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 5570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2990 mm |
