1986 Ford Orion vs. 1956 MG MGA
To start off, 1986 Ford Orion is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 MG MGA. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 MG MGA would be higher. At 1,608 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Orion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ford Orion (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1956 MG MGA. (71 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Orion should accelerate faster than 1956 MG MGA. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 MG MGA weights approximately 6 kg more than 1986 Ford Orion.
Because 1956 MG MGA is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1956 MG MGA. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Ford Orion, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1986 Ford Orion (137 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 MG MGA. (104 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Orion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 MG MGA.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Orion | 1956 MG MGA | |
| Make | Ford | MG |
| Model | Orion | MGA |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1956 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 183 km/hour | 157 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 894 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1460 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2390 mm |
