1980 Lincoln Continental vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lincoln Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lincoln Continental would be higher. At 4,964 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1980 Lincoln Continental. (130 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1980 Lincoln Continental. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 30 kg more than 1980 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lincoln Continental. (313 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lincoln Continental.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lincoln Continental | 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Lincoln | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Continental | CL |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 4964 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 313 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5570 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2890 mm |
