1951 Austin A 70 vs. 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Austin A 70. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Austin A 70 would be higher. At 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 1951 Austin A 70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 70. (66 HP @ 3700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Austin A 70 weights approximately 310 kg more than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 1951 Austin A 70 (157 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (137 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1951 Austin A 70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Austin A 70 | 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Austin | Mazda |
| Model | A 70 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2270 mm |
