2006 BMW M3 vs. 1988 Lincoln Mark 7
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 18 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, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1988 Lincoln Mark 7. (226 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1988 Lincoln Mark 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lincoln Mark 7 weights approximately 151 kg more than 2006 BMW M3.
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 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW M3. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1988 Lincoln Mark 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW M3. 1988 Lincoln Mark 7 has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW M3 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:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 1988 Lincoln Mark 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Lincoln |
| Model | M3 | Mark 7 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 226 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1549 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2760 mm |
