2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1982 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Mercury Grand Marquis would be higher. At 4,186 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (159 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1982 Mercury Grand Marquis. (118 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1982 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 510 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, 1982 Mercury Grand Marquis (262 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1982 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1982 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 4186 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2910 mm |
