1998 BMW 317 vs. 2009 Lincoln Town Car
To start off, 2009 Lincoln Town Car is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 317. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 317 would be higher. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Lincoln Town Car is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lincoln Town Car (239 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1998 BMW 317. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lincoln Town Car should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 317. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lincoln Town Car weights approximately 622 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, 2009 Lincoln Town Car (389 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 317. (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Lincoln Town Car will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 317. 2009 Lincoln Town Car 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. 2009 Lincoln Town Car will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 317 | 2009 Lincoln Town Car | |
| Make | BMW | Lincoln |
| Model | 317 | Town Car |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1665 cc | 4606 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 239 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 389 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1977 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3150 mm |
