1948 Austin A 40 vs. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1948 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1948 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 55 kg more than 1948 Austin A 40. 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 Mazda MX-5 Miata (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Austin A 40 | 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Austin | Mazda |
| Model | A 40 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 50 L |
