1972 Lincoln Continental vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Lincoln Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Lincoln Continental would be higher. At 7,542 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Lincoln Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 293 more horse power than 1972 Lincoln Continental. (217 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1972 Lincoln Continental. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 285 kg more than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 342 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Lincoln Continental. (488 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Lincoln Continental.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Lincoln Continental | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lincoln | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Continental | SL |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7542 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2330 kg | 2045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5720 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3230 mm | 2570 mm |
