1981 Lincoln Continental vs. 2010 BMW X3
To start off, 2010 BMW X3 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lincoln Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lincoln Continental would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Lincoln Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW X3 (260 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1981 Lincoln Continental. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lincoln Continental. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 35 kg more than 2010 BMW X3.
Because 2010 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Lincoln Continental. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 BMW X3 will offer significantly more control. 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, 1981 Lincoln Continental (313 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 BMW X3. (305 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1981 Lincoln Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 BMW X3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lincoln Continental | 2010 BMW X3 | |
| Make | Lincoln | BMW |
| Model | Continental | X3 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 313 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5570 mm | 4569 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1854 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1676 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2797 mm |
