1974 Lincoln Continental vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 31 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS (469 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 252 more horse power than 1974 Lincoln Continental. (217 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1974 Lincoln Continental. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 410 kg more than 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 212 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lincoln Continental. (488 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lincoln Continental.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lincoln Continental | 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Lincoln | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Continental | CLS |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7541 cc | 5438 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 469 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2330 kg | 1920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5720 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3230 mm | 3090 mm |
