1974 Lincoln Continental vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lincoln Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lincoln Continental would be higher. At 7,541 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Lincoln Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 5550 RPM) has 301 more horse power than 1974 Lincoln Continental. (217 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1974 Lincoln Continental. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 280 kg more than 1998 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (766 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 278 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lincoln Continental. (488 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lincoln Continental.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lincoln Continental | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lincoln | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Continental | SL |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7541 cc | 7291 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5550 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 766 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2330 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5720 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3230 mm | 2520 mm |
