2003 Lincoln Continental vs. 2011 Mazda 3
To start off, 2011 Mazda 3 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Lincoln Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Lincoln Continental would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Lincoln Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lincoln Continental (217 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2011 Mazda 3. (167 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lincoln Continental should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 367 kg more than 2011 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 2003 Lincoln Continental (372 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Lincoln Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lincoln Continental | 2011 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Lincoln | Mazda |
| Model | Continental | 3 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 372 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5250 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 60 L |
