1998 Lincoln Town Car III (FN145) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The 1998-2011 Lincoln Town Car III weighs between 1820 kg and 2065 kg (4012 to 4554 lbs) curb weight, with a maximum weight capacity of up to 2510 kg (5535 lbs). The relatively heavy curb weight contributes to a smooth and stable ride characteristic of luxury sedans, enhancing comfort and presence on highways. However, it can impact agility and fuel efficiency. The high maximum weight capacity reflects its strong chassis and suspension design, ensuring safe and stable handling even with full passenger and luggage loads.

The Lincoln Town Car III boasts a spacious luggage capacity of 585 liters (approximately 20.7 cubic feet). This ample trunk space is quite generous for a full-size luxury sedan and is suitable for long trips, allowing passengers to pack multiple large suitcases with ease. The deep and wide trunk layout enhances usability, making it convenient for families and executives needing significant cargo room without compromising interior passenger comfort.

The Lincoln Town Car III generation came equipped with rim sizes of 16-inch and 17-inch options. The corresponding tire sizes were primarily 225/60 R16 and 225/60 R17. These tire and rim combinations balance ride comfort, road grip, and aesthetic appeal. The 17-inch wheels offer a slightly sportier look and potentially enhanced handling feel, while the 16-inch wheels provide a smoother ride and may contribute to longer tire life and better sidewall protection.

The Lincoln Town Car III, with a length of up to 5623 mm (221.4 inches) and width close to 1987 mm (78.2 inches), is a large sedan. Most standard single-car residential garages in North America are about 6 meters (20 feet) deep and 2.4 meters (8 feet) wide. The Town Car’s length is just under standard garage depth but leaves minimal clearance, especially considering bumper overhangs. Its width, almost 2 meters, fits comfortably in width in a standard garage with about 20-30 cm clearance on either side. Therefore, it fits but occupies a significant amount of space — tight for very narrow garages and requiring careful parking.

Compared to the Town Car II generation, the Town Car III saw modest dimensional increases that enhanced passenger comfort and road presence. The Town Car III is slightly longer, generally in the 5470-5623 mm range, compared to the slightly shorter predecessors. Width and height remained similar but were subtly optimized for aerodynamics and interior space. These changes preserved the classic full-size luxury sedan stature but modernized the car’s proportions, improved interior roominess, and enhanced overall ride comfort and stability.

The Lincoln Town Car III is among the larger full-size luxury sedans produced between 1998 and 2011, competing with vehicles like the Cadillac DeVille, Chrysler 300C, and some European rivals like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series. Dimensionally, it stands out for its exceptional length and width, focusing heavily on rear passenger comfort and trunk space. While European rivals often prioritized sportier handling and advanced technology, the Town Car emphasized traditional American luxury: spacious interiors, plush seating, and a smooth ride. Its size gave it an advantage in cabin room and luggage capacity compared to many competitors.

The generous exterior dimensions of the Lincoln Town Car III translate directly into spacious interior accommodations. With its considerable length and width, the sedan offers expansive front and rear legroom and headroom, making long journeys comfortable for all occupants. The wide cabin means that three passengers can sit comfortably in the rear seat, a key selling point for its use as a limousine and executive transport vehicle. The relatively low height facilitates easier entry and exit while maintaining sufficient headroom. The overall focus on roominess supports its reputation for ultimate comfort.

The large dimensions and curb weight of the Lincoln Town Car III naturally influence its fuel economy and maneuverability. The size and mass contribute to somewhat lower fuel efficiency when compared with mid-size sedans or more modern, lighter vehicles. Maneuverability in tight urban spaces can be challenging, especially in narrow parking lots or heavy traffic, due to the car's long wheelbase and overall length (up to 5.6 meters/18.5 feet). However, its wide dimensions offer stability on highways and a commanding driving position, which some drivers prefer over smaller, more agile cars.

The Lincoln Town Car III's sizeable dimensions are complemented by classic, stately exterior design cues reflecting its luxury status. The car features a long hood and extended rear deck, emphasizing a traditional sedan silhouette. Its width gives it a broad stance, improving road presence and stability. Proportions are balanced with smooth lines and chrome accents, creating a dignified and imposing aesthetic. The vehicle’s height, while moderate, preserves a low center of gravity, enhancing the ride quality typical for this model. These dimensional characteristics contribute to its identity as a flagship luxury sedan.