Lincoln Continental vs. BMW 5 Series

When we compare the Lincoln Continental's and the BMW 5 Series's specifications and ratings, the Lincoln Continental has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The BMW 5 Series has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency and reliability. Based on this comparison of the Lincoln Continental's and the BMW 5 Series's specifications and ratings, the Lincoln Continental is a better car than the BMW 5 Series.

Lincoln Continental vs. BMW 5 Series Pricing

A used 2020 Lincoln Continental ranges from $26,314 to $51,998 while a used 2020 BMW 5 Series is priced between $30,691 to $57,891.

Lincoln Continental vs. BMW 5 Series Resale/Retained Value

Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Lincoln Continental loses 55 percent of its value and the BMW 5 Series loses 59.1 percent of its value. This means the Lincoln Continental retains 4.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the BMW 5 Series.

Lincoln Continental vs. BMW 5 Series Quality Rating

The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Lincoln Continental is 8.5 out of 10 while the BMW 5 Series' quality rating is 8.4 out of 10. This results in the Lincoln Continental being ranked 2 out of 24 Best Luxury Large Cars and the BMW 5 Series being ranked 8 out of 29 Best Luxury Midsize Cars.

Lincoln Continental vs. BMW 5 Series Reliability Rating

iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Lincoln Continental is 8.3 out of 10. For the BMW 5 Series the reliability rating is 8.3 out of 10. This gives the BMW 5 Series a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Lincoln Continental.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison

For engine performance, the Lincoln Continental’s base engine makes 305 horsepower, and the BMW 5 Series base engine makes 248 horsepower. The Continental is rated to deliver an average of 20 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 468 miles. The 5 Series is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 594 miles. This gives the BMW 5 Series the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Lincoln Continental. The Continental uses regular unleaded, and the 5 Series uses premium unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison

The Lincoln Continental, a large car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front leg room, rear head room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The BMW 5 Series, a midsize car, has the advantage in the area of front shoulder room. The Lincoln Continental and BMW 5 Series are comparable in regards to rear shoulder room.

Safety Ratings Comparison

The Lincoln Continental has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.