1956 Austin A 35 vs. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Austin A 35. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Austin A 35 would be higher. At 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (140 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 35. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 35. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 391 kg more than 1956 Austin A 35. 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, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (160 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 35. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Austin A 35.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Austin A 35 | 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Austin | Mazda |
| Model | A 35 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 946 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 749 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 50 L |
