All things are relative. While no one would expect any of the vehicles featured below to shine in terms of braking performance, the Editors of Consumer Guide called out the Chrysler Imperial for its dubious stopping ability. And that’s just one of the many insights buried in the test report below.
Consumer Guide: ’73 Auto Test
This comparison test appeared in the Consumer Guide: ’73 Auto Test magazine, which hit newsstands in June of that year. Featured below are:
- Cadillac Sedan de Ville
- Chrysler Imperial LeBaron
- Lincoln Continental
- Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL
Of these, the Mercedes is sort of the odd man out. The 300 SEL evaluated here was considerably smaller, lighter, and vastly more expensive than the other vehicles reviewed. That said, the Benz justified its staggering price with a first-place finish in the comparison, earning praise for its impressive ride and handling, among other things. It did not score well for power, however. Even though the 300 SEL boasted the most horsepower of the four cars tested, it provided the least amount of torque… and be it 1973 or 2021, Americans like their torque.
If you recall having spent time with one or more of these rolling tributes to vehicular indulgence, tell us about it. The place to leave comments is down below.
More Review Flashback! fun
Review Flashback: Luxury Sedans of 1973
Luxury Sedans of 1973
Review Flashback! 2004 Chrysler 300M
Luxury Sedans of 1973 – Cadillac de Ville
Review Flashback! 1974 Dodge Monaco
Luxury Sedans of 1973 – Chrysler Imperial LeBaron
Review Flashback! 2004 Mercury Marauder
Luxury Sedans of 1973 – Lincoln Continental
Review Flashback! 2005 Buick Park Avenue
Luxury Sedans of 1973 – Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL
Review Flashback! 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
Luxury Sedans of 1973 Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL
Review Flashback! 2011 Lincoln Town Car
1973 Luxury Sedans Specs
Review Flashback! 2002 Cadillac Eldorado
1973 Luxury Sedans Ratings
Review Flashback! 2002 Lincoln Blackwood
Prices – 1973 Cadillac de Ville
Review Flashback! 1982 Imperial
Prices – 1973 Chrysler Imperial LeBaron
Review Flashback! 1986 Oldsmobile Toronado
Prices – 1973 Chrysler Imperial LeBaron
Review Flashback! 1997 Cadillac Catera
Prices – 1973 Lincoln Continental
Review Flashback! 1995 Oldsmobile Aurora
Prices – 1973 Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL
Listen to the Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast
Follow Tom on Twitter
The Luxury Sedans of 1973 Gallery
(Click below for enlarged images)
Review Flashback! The Premium Coupes of 1988
Written by: Tom Appel on February 2, 2021.
