1974 Lincoln Continental vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 37 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (429 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 1974 Lincoln Continental. (217 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1974 Lincoln Continental. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 235 kg more than 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL.
Because 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1974 Lincoln Continental. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL will offer significantly more control. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (699 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lincoln Continental. (488 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lincoln Continental.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lincoln Continental | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Lincoln | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Continental | CL |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7541 cc | 4700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 429 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2330 kg | 2095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5720 mm | 5095 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3230 mm | 2954 mm |
