1953 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 56 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 2,660 cc (4 cylinders), 1953 Austin-Healey 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1953 Austin-Healey 100. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1953 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 177 kg more than 1953 Austin-Healey 100. 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, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (191 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Austin-Healey 100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Austin-Healey 100 | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mazda |
| Model | 100 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1953 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 948 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 48 L |
