1999 BMW 540 vs. 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII
To start off, 1999 BMW 540 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII. (280 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII weights approximately 1986 kg more than 1999 BMW 540.
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, 1999 BMW 540 (439 Nm) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII. (386 Nm). This means 1999 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII. 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII has automatic transmission and 1999 BMW 540 has manual transmission. 1999 BMW 540 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 540 | 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII | |
| Make | BMW | Lincoln |
| Model | 540 | Mark VIII |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 439 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1771 kg | 3757 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5265 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1361 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2870 mm |
