1959 Austin A 55 vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Austin A 55. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Austin A 55 would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (159 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 55. (54 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 35 kg more than 1959 Austin A 55. 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, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 55. (68 Nm). This means 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Austin A 55.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Austin A 55 | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Austin | Mazda |
| Model | A 55 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 122 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 50 L |
