1952 Austin A 30 vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 60 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Austin A 30. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Austin A 30 would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 30. (29 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 30. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 459 kg more than 1952 Austin A 30. 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, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 30. (54 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Austin A 30.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Austin A 30 | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Austin | Mazda |
| Model | A 30 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1952 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 803 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 48 L |
