1958 Austin A 40 vs. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1958 Austin A 40. (35 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 294 kg more than 1958 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, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin A 40. (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 1958 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Austin A 40 | 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Austin | Mazda |
| Model | A 40 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 761 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 50 L |
