1972 Ford Gran Torino vs. 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII
To start off, 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Gran Torino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Gran Torino would be higher. At 6,553 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford Gran Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII (290 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII weights approximately 1743 kg more than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. 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, 1972 Ford Gran Torino (403 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII. (400 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Gran Torino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Gran Torino | 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII | |
| Make | Ford | Lincoln |
| Model | Gran Torino | Mark VIII |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6553 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 403 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 101.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2014 kg | 3757 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 5263 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1361 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2870 mm |
