1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin A 55. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin A 55 would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Austin A 55 weights approximately 85 kg more than 1989 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, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata (137 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 55.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Austin | Mazda |
| Model | A 55 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2270 mm |
