2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 543 kg more than 2004 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, 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis (302 Nm) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (220 Nm). This means 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1835 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1147 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2910 mm |
