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I'm thinking about buying a newer TC? What differences if any, exist between the 98-02 TCs and 03-now besides the different front and rear end designs? I like the looks of the 03-now TCs better, but not sure if I can afford one that new.
Thanks,
Bret
Posted by: evillally
98-02's have power-assisted steering.
03+ has rack-and-pinion steering- much better!
Slightly more power on 03 models as well.
The interior designs are better on 03's, which are much cheaper now. Get an 03.
Posted by: mark0101
the ride is better in the 03 town cars. The steering is harder to turn in the 03 then the 02. I don't if harder is better but I like the lighter steering better. The brakes of the new town car are more stronger. The power is better in the 02 because it is about 300 pounds lighter then the 03. I like the stereo better because it is a compact CD and it gives out more bass but the clearness is better in the 02. These are just my oppinons
Posted by: Geezer
I love my 02 and don't see any advantage of getting an 03 and spending the extra money.
Posted by: slowmkviii
I think the curb weight for 1991-1997 is 4050 and 1998 to present is 4460
and all town cars from 2003 and newer are 239hp the 98-02 range from 205 to 239 also 03+ has shocks more outbord Front-framerails are now fully boxed sections of hydroformed steel, said to be lighter, stronger,
14-mm increase in track width in the rear mini-spare tire to the right-hand wheelwell
the handaling from 02-03 is not even close 03 way better
Posted by: Geezer
What are the differences in suspension to make the 03 handle better? Are the sway bars any different? The weight is more.
Posted by: slowmkviii
found a site that might help http://machinedesign.com/ContentItem...lnTownCar.aspx
The 2003 frame is 24% stiffer in torsional (twisting) rigidity and 20% stronger in resistance to vertical bending.
shocks mounted outboard of the frame rails for better control.
2003
curb weight is 4338 lbs
2002
curb weight 4155
this will change per options
Posted by: dRock95MarkVIII
03+ have a slightly stiffer ride with more road feel, but also have much improved steering response with the rack and pinion (over the -02 recirculating ball)
The spring rates were unchanged, the shocks were changed to standard monotube with the rears moved outboard of frame rail. The front swaybar was made smaller and the rear unchanged. The shock valving was toned down a little for 04 because of NVH complaints. The front lower control arms were switched to stamped steel for 06+ for cost cutting and further reduce vibration.
The 03+ do not have better braking. The 98-02s stop in shorter distance than 2003+
There was a 4hp increase over 2001-2002 w/ duals thanks to the knock sensor which allowed more aggressive timing. Though, because of the 03+ increase in weight despite the power increase they are slower than 01-02.
03+ includes standard dual exhaust and 3.27 RAR, -02 had single standard w/ 3.08 though duals were available on sig/cartier/limo as well as a 3.55 RAR on Tourings.
