1988 Lincoln Mark VII vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lincoln Mark VII. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lincoln Mark VII would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Lincoln Mark VII is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (167 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1988 Lincoln Mark VII. (138 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1988 Lincoln Mark VII. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lincoln Mark VII weights approximately 267 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3.
Because 1988 Lincoln Mark VII 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 VII. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3, 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 VII (346 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Lincoln Mark VII will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lincoln Mark VII | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Lincoln | Mazda |
| Model | Mark VII | 3 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 346 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2639 mm |
