1979 Dodge Mirada vs. 1965 Riley Kestrel
To start off, 1979 Dodge Mirada is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Riley Kestrel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Riley Kestrel would be higher. At 5,209 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Dodge Mirada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Dodge Mirada (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1965 Riley Kestrel. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Dodge Mirada should accelerate faster than 1965 Riley Kestrel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Dodge Mirada weights approximately 815 kg more than 1965 Riley Kestrel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Dodge Mirada 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 1979 Dodge Mirada. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1965 Riley Kestrel, 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, 1979 Dodge Mirada (343 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 259 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Riley Kestrel. (84 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1979 Dodge Mirada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Riley Kestrel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Dodge Mirada | 1965 Riley Kestrel | |
| Make | Dodge | Riley |
| Model | Mirada | Kestrel |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1965 |
| Engine Size | 5209 cc | 1098 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2380 mm |
