1988 Lincoln Mark VII vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lincoln Mark VII. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lincoln Mark VII would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 270 more horse power than 1988 Lincoln Mark VII. (223 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1988 Lincoln Mark VII. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 270 kg more than 1988 Lincoln Mark VII. 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 293 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lincoln Mark VII. (407 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lincoln Mark VII.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lincoln Mark VII | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lincoln | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mark VII | SL |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4941 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 80 L |
