1951 Austin A 40 vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 58 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 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (164 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 40.
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, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (140 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Austin | Mazda |
| Model | A 40 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 50 L |
