1988 Lincoln Mark 7 vs. 2003 Lincoln Continental
To start off, 2003 Lincoln Continental is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lincoln Mark 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lincoln Mark 7 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 9 more horse power than 2003 Lincoln Continental. (217 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lincoln Mark 7 should accelerate faster than 2003 Lincoln Continental. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 50 kg more than 1988 Lincoln Mark 7.
Because 1988 Lincoln Mark 7 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1988 Lincoln Mark 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Lincoln Continental, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lincoln Continental. (372 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1988 Lincoln Mark 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lincoln Continental.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lincoln Mark 7 | 2003 Lincoln Continental | |
| Make | Lincoln | Lincoln |
| Model | Mark 7 | Continental |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 226 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 372 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 5250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2780 mm |
