1981 Lincoln Continental vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lincoln Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lincoln Continental would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL (494 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 365 more horse power than 1981 Lincoln Continental. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1981 Lincoln Continental. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 220 kg more than 1981 Lincoln Continental. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 487 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lincoln Continental. (313 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lincoln Continental.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lincoln Continental | 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Lincoln | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Continental | CL |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 494 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 313 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 87 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 2075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5570 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2890 mm |
