1971 BMW 3 vs. 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII
To start off, 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII is newer by 26 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 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII (290 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII weights approximately 2377 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, 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII (400 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3. 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII 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. 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII | |
| Make | BMW | Lincoln |
| Model | 3 | Mark VIII |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| 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 | 3757 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5263 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1361 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2870 mm |
