1971 Lincoln Continental vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lincoln Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lincoln Continental would be higher. At 7,542 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Lincoln Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lincoln Continental (217 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lincoln Continental should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 1175 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 1971 Lincoln Continental (488 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 321 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1971 Lincoln Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1971 Lincoln Continental has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Lincoln Continental will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Lincoln Continental | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Lincoln | Mazda |
| Model | Continental | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7542 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2330 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5720 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3230 mm | 2340 mm |
