1988 BMW 316 vs. 1984 Lincoln Mark VII
To start off, 1988 BMW 316 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Lincoln Mark VII. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Lincoln Mark VII would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1984 Lincoln Mark VII is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Lincoln Mark VII (138 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1988 BMW 316. (86 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Lincoln Mark VII should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 316 weights approximately 190 kg more than 1984 Lincoln Mark VII.
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, 1984 Lincoln Mark VII (346 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 316. (127 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1984 Lincoln Mark VII will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 316. 1984 Lincoln Mark VII has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1984 Lincoln Mark VII will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 316 | 1984 Lincoln Mark VII | |
| Make | BMW | Lincoln |
| Model | 316 | Mark VII |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2760 mm |
