1964 Honda S500 vs. 1962 MG MGA
To start off, 1964 Honda S500 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 MG MGA. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 MG MGA would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 1962 MG MGA is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 MG MGA (89 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1964 Honda S500. (38 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1962 MG MGA should accelerate faster than 1964 Honda S500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 MG MGA weights approximately 220 kg more than 1964 Honda S500. 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, 1962 MG MGA (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Honda S500. (39 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1962 MG MGA will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Honda S500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Honda S500 | 1962 MG MGA | |
| Make | Honda | MG |
| Model | S500 | MGA |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 491 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2390 mm |
