1962 Austin A 40 vs. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (99 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1962 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1962 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 295 kg more than 1962 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, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (245 Nm) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Austin A 40. (68 Nm). This means 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Austin A 40 | 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Austin | Mazda |
| Model | A 40 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2270 mm |
