1966 Austin A 40 vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Austin A 40 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 112 more horse power than 1966 Austin A 40. (47 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1966 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 393 kg more than 1966 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, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Austin A 40. (81 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Austin A 40 | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Austin | Mazda |
| Model | A 40 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.7 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 762 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 50 L |
