1956 MG MGA vs. 1970 Pontiac GTO
To start off, 1970 Pontiac GTO is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 MG MGA. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 MG MGA would be higher. At 7,460 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Pontiac GTO (360 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 271 more horse power than 1956 MG MGA. (89 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 1956 MG MGA. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 815 kg more than 1956 MG MGA. 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, 1970 Pontiac GTO (678 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 529 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 MG MGA. (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1970 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 MG MGA.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 MG MGA | 1970 Pontiac GTO | |
| Make | MG | Pontiac |
| Model | MGA | GTO |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 7460 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 678 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2850 mm |
