1998 BMW 317 vs. 1988 Lincoln Mark 7
To start off, 1998 BMW 317 is newer by 10 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 137 more horse power than 1998 BMW 317. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lincoln Mark 7 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 317. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lincoln Mark 7 weights approximately 345 kg more than 1998 BMW 317. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1988 Lincoln Mark 7 (407 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 317. (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1988 Lincoln Mark 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 317. 1988 Lincoln Mark 7 has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 317 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 317 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Lincoln Mark 7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 317 | 1988 Lincoln Mark 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Lincoln |
| Model | 317 | Mark 7 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1665 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 226 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2760 mm |
