1979 Lincoln Continental vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Lincoln Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Lincoln Continental would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Lincoln Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1979 Lincoln Continental. (138 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1979 Lincoln Continental. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 56 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (470 Nm) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lincoln Continental. (359 Nm). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lincoln Continental.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lincoln Continental | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lincoln | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Continental | SL |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 359 Nm | 470 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 1844 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5570 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2570 mm |
