1949 MG TD vs. 1959 MG MGA
To start off, 1959 MG MGA is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 MG TD. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 MG TD would be higher. At 1,489 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 MG MGA is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 MG MGA (71 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1949 MG TD. (53 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 MG MGA should accelerate faster than 1949 MG TD. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 MG MGA weights approximately 24 kg more than 1949 MG TD. 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, 1959 MG MGA (104 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 MG TD. (87 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1959 MG MGA will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 MG TD.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 MG TD | 1959 MG MGA | |
| Make | MG | MG |
| Model | TD | MGA |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1250 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 876 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1460 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2390 mm |
