2007 BMW M3 vs. 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII
To start off, 2007 BMW M3 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII. (290 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII weights approximately 2102 kg more than 2007 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, 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII (400 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW M3. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW M3. 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII has automatic transmission and 2007 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2007 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW M3 | 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII | |
| Make | BMW | Lincoln |
| Model | M3 | Mark VIII |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 3757 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5263 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1361 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2870 mm |
