2010 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (605 HP) has 325 more horse power than 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII. (280 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII weights approximately 927 kg more than 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,000 Nm) has 614 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII. (386 Nm). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII. 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII has automatic transmission and 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Lincoln |
| Model | SL | Mark VIII |
| Year Released | 2010 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5980 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 605 HP | 280 HP |
| Torque | 1000 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2830 kg | 3757 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5265 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1361 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2870 mm |
