1959 MG MGA vs. 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII
To start off, 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 MG MGA. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 MG MGA would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII (280 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 174 more horse power than 1959 MG MGA. (106 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII should accelerate faster than 1959 MG MGA. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII weights approximately 2857 kg more than 1959 MG MGA. 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, 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII (386 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 245 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 MG MGA. (141 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 MG MGA. 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII has automatic transmission and 1959 MG MGA has manual transmission. 1959 MG MGA 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:
| 1959 MG MGA | 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII | |
| Make | MG | Lincoln |
| Model | MGA | Mark VIII |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| 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 | 900 kg | 3757 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 5265 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1361 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2870 mm |
