1973 Lincoln Continental vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Lincoln Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Lincoln Continental would be higher. At 7,542 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Lincoln Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1973 Lincoln Continental. (217 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1973 Lincoln Continental. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 489 kg more than 2005 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, 1973 Lincoln Continental (488 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1973 Lincoln Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Lincoln Continental | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lincoln | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Continental | SL |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7542 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2334 kg | 1845 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 |
