USA vs USA — 1961 vs 1981
| Continental Sedan (1961-69) | Town Car Cartier Edition | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 340 hp | 239 hp |
| Torque | 480 lb-ft | 285 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 7,565 cc | 4,601 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 10.0 sec | 8.3 sec |
| Top Speed | 115 mph | 115 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 17.5 sec | 16.5 sec |
| Weight | — | 4,168 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,200 mm | 2,990 mm |
| Length | 5,461 mm | 5,556 mm |
| Units Produced | 22,303 | — |
| Original MSRP | — | $47,915 |
| Value (Excellent) | $55,000 | $18,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 4/10 |
| Rarity | 4/10 | 2/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1961 Lincoln Continental Sedan (1961-69) brings more power, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1981 Lincoln Town Car Cartier Edition answers with quicker acceleration, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Lincoln has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1961 Lincoln Continental Sedan (1961-69) with the 1981 Lincoln Town Car Cartier Edition highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1961 Lincoln Continental Sedan (1961-69) holds a clear advantage in raw power with 340 hp compared to 239 hp, a 101-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1981 Lincoln Town Car Cartier Edition edges ahead at 8.3 seconds versus 10.0 seconds. On the collector market, the 1961 Lincoln Continental Sedan (1961-69) commands a significant premium over the 1981 Lincoln Town Car Cartier Edition, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.