1971 Lincoln Continental vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lincoln Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lincoln Continental would be higher. At 7,542 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Lincoln Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S (295 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1971 Lincoln Continental. (217 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1971 Lincoln Continental. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 301 kg more than 2011 Mercedes-Benz S.
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, 1971 Lincoln Continental (488 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mercedes-Benz S. (385 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1971 Lincoln Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Lincoln Continental | 2011 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Lincoln | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Continental | S |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7542 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 295 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 385 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2330 kg | 2029 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5720 mm | 5245 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3230 mm | 3165 mm |
