1986 Lincoln Continental vs. 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Lincoln Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Lincoln Continental would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Lincoln Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL (217 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1986 Lincoln Continental. (148 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1986 Lincoln Continental. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 40 kg more than 1986 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, 1986 Lincoln Continental (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL. (316 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Lincoln Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Lincoln Continental | 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lincoln | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Continental | SL |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 316 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2520 mm |
