1969 Lincoln Continental vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lincoln Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lincoln Continental would be higher. At 7,544 cc (8 cylinders), 1969 Lincoln Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lincoln Continental (365 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. (242 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lincoln Continental should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 452 kg more than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1969 Lincoln Continental (678 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 328 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1969 Lincoln Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. 1969 Lincoln Continental has automatic transmission and 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1969 Lincoln Continental will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lincoln Continental | 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lincoln | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Continental | SL |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7544 cc | 3724 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 365 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 678 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 110.9 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2207 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5490 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2980 mm | 2570 mm |
