1950 Austin A 40 vs. 1958 MG MGA
To start off, 1958 MG MGA is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1950 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1950 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1958 MG MGA is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 MG MGA (107 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1950 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1958 MG MGA should accelerate faster than 1950 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1950 Austin A 40 weights approximately 70 kg more than 1958 MG MGA.
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, 1958 MG MGA (141 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1958 MG MGA will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Austin A 40 | 1958 MG MGA | |
| Make | Austin | MG |
| Model | A 40 | MGA |
| Year Released | 1950 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 107 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 141 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 | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1460 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2390 mm |
