1982 Lincoln Continental vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Lincoln Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Lincoln Continental would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Lincoln Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1982 Lincoln Continental. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1982 Lincoln Continental. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 440 kg more than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 1982 Lincoln Continental (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1982 Lincoln Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Lincoln Continental | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Lincoln | Mazda |
| Model | Continental | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 87.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1250 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 50 L |
