1971 Lincoln Continental vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 38 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 7,536 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Lincoln Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lincoln Continental (209 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lincoln Continental should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 1250 kg more than 2009 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 (465 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 275 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1971 Lincoln Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Lincoln Continental | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Lincoln | Mazda |
| Model | Continental | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7536 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 209 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 465 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2210 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5500 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2980 mm | 2340 mm |
