1971 BMW 3 vs. 1988 Lincoln Mark 7
To start off, 1988 Lincoln Mark 7 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 BMW 3 would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Lincoln Mark 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lincoln Mark 7 (226 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lincoln Mark 7 should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lincoln Mark 7 weights approximately 320 kg more than 1971 BMW 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1988 Lincoln Mark 7 (407 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1988 Lincoln Mark 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3. 1988 Lincoln Mark 7 has automatic transmission and 1971 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1971 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Lincoln Mark 7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1988 Lincoln Mark 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Lincoln |
| Model | 3 | Mark 7 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 226 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2760 mm |
