1998 Lincoln Continental vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Lincoln Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lincoln Continental would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 276 more horse power than 1998 Lincoln Continental. (217 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1998 Lincoln Continental. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 275 kg more than 1998 Lincoln Continental. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Lincoln Continental, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 428 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lincoln Continental. (372 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lincoln Continental.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lincoln Continental | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lincoln | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Continental | SL |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 372 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 2025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5250 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 80 L |
