2004 Lincoln Continental vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Lincoln Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Lincoln Continental would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Lincoln Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Lincoln Continental (217 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (201 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Lincoln Continental should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 50 kg more than 2004 Lincoln Continental.
Because 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Lincoln Continental. (372 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Lincoln Continental.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Lincoln Continental | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Lincoln | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Continental | CLS |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 372 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5300 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 80 L |
