1980 Lincoln Continental vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lincoln Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lincoln Continental would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Lincoln Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1980 Lincoln Continental. (130 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1980 Lincoln Continental.
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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lincoln Continental. (313 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lincoln Continental.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lincoln Continental | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Lincoln | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Continental | S |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 313 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 5570 mm | 5096 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 3165 mm |
