1983 Lincoln Continental vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Lincoln Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Lincoln Continental would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 475 more horse power than 1983 Lincoln Continental. (129 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1983 Lincoln Continental. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 350 kg more than 1983 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,001 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 691 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Lincoln Continental. (310 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Lincoln Continental.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lincoln Continental | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lincoln | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Continental | SL |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4940 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 1001 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1300 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2570 mm |
