1951 Austin A 40 vs. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 54 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (108 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 140 kg more than 1951 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, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Austin A 40 | 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Austin | Mazda |
| Model | A 40 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 50 L |
