1985 Lincoln Mark VII vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Lincoln Mark VII. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Lincoln Mark VII would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Lincoln Mark VII is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1985 Lincoln Mark VII. (138 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1985 Lincoln Mark VII. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Lincoln Mark VII weights approximately 449 kg more than 2008 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, 1985 Lincoln Mark VII (346 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1985 Lincoln Mark VII will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1985 Lincoln Mark VII 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. 1985 Lincoln Mark VII will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lincoln Mark VII | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Lincoln | Mazda |
| Model | Mark VII | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 346 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1656 kg | 1207 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2340 mm |
