1965 Austin A 40 vs. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (134 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1965 Austin A 40. (47 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1965 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 305 kg more than 1965 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 (163 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Austin A 40. (81 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Austin A 40 | 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Austin | Mazda |
| Model | A 40 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1965 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.7 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 50 L |
