1986 Lincoln Continental vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1986 Lincoln Continental is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Lincoln Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (157 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1986 Lincoln Continental. (148 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1986 Lincoln Continental. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 105 kg more than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S.
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, 1986 Lincoln Continental (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1986 Lincoln Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Lincoln Continental | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Lincoln | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Continental | S |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2870 mm |
