1997 BMW Z3 vs. 1979 Lincoln Mark VI
To start off, 1997 BMW Z3 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Lincoln Mark VI. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Lincoln Mark VI would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Lincoln Mark VI is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW Z3 (333 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 194 more horse power than 1979 Lincoln Mark VI. (139 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Lincoln Mark VI. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Lincoln Mark VI weights approximately 431 kg more than 1997 BMW Z3.
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, 1979 Lincoln Mark VI (359 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW Z3. (355 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1979 Lincoln Mark VI will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW Z3. 1979 Lincoln Mark VI has automatic transmission and 1997 BMW Z3 has manual transmission. 1997 BMW Z3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Lincoln Mark VI will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW Z3 | 1979 Lincoln Mark VI | |
| Make | BMW | Lincoln |
| Model | Z3 | Mark VI |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 333 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1393 kg | 1824 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 5490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 68 L |
