1988 Lincoln Mark VII vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A 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 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Lincoln Mark VII is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lincoln Mark VII (223 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. (108 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lincoln Mark VII should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 1120 kg more than 1988 Lincoln Mark VII.
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 Mercedes-Benz A, 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 (407 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. (250 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1988 Lincoln Mark VII will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. 1988 Lincoln Mark VII has automatic transmission and 2012 Mercedes-Benz A has manual transmission. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Lincoln Mark VII will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lincoln Mark VII | 2012 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Lincoln | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mark VII | A |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4941 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 60 L |
