1955 Austin A 40 vs. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (110 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 8 kg more than 1955 Austin A 40. 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, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 40 | 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Austin | Mazda |
| Model | A 40 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1038 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 50 L |
