1980 Lincoln Continental vs. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 27 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Lincoln Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lincoln Continental (130 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lincoln Continental should accelerate faster than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 663 kg more than 2007 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, 1980 Lincoln Continental (313 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1980 Lincoln Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lincoln Continental | 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Lincoln | Mazda |
| Model | Continental | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 313 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1192 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5570 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2340 mm |
