1984 Lincoln Continental vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Lincoln Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Lincoln Continental would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 372 more horse power than 1984 Lincoln Continental. (138 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1984 Lincoln Continental. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 475 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 491 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Lincoln Continental. (339 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Lincoln Continental.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lincoln Continental | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lincoln | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Continental | SL |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2570 mm |
