1954 Austin A 55 vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 52 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Austin A 55. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Austin A 55 would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (170 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 355 kg more than 1954 Austin A 55. 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, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Austin A 55.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin A 55 | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Austin | Mazda |
| Model | A 55 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1954 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 48 L |
