1955 MG MGA vs. 1986 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1986 Toyota Carina is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 MG MGA. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 MG MGA would be higher. At 1,832 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Toyota Carina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Toyota Carina (100 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1955 MG MGA. (89 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Toyota Carina should accelerate faster than 1955 MG MGA. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Toyota Carina weights approximately 170 kg more than 1955 MG MGA. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 MG MGA is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1955 MG MGA. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Toyota Carina, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1986 Toyota Carina (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 MG MGA. (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Toyota Carina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 MG MGA.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 MG MGA | 1986 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | MG | Toyota |
| Model | MGA | Carina |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1832 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2520 mm |
