2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1998 Lincoln Mark VIII
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Lincoln Mark VIII. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lincoln Mark VIII would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Lincoln Mark VIII is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lincoln Mark VIII (280 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lincoln Mark VIII should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Lincoln Mark VIII weights approximately 2617 kg more than 2004 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, 1998 Lincoln Mark VIII (386 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (169 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 Lincoln Mark VIII will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1998 Lincoln Mark VIII has automatic transmission and 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Lincoln Mark VIII will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1998 Lincoln Mark VIII | |
| Make | Mazda | Lincoln |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Mark VIII |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 3757 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 5263 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1361 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2870 mm |
