1952 Austin A 40 vs. 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1952 Austin A 40 weights approximately 17 kg more than 1991 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, 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata (130 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Austin A 40 | 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Austin | Mazda |
| Model | A 40 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 50 L |
