1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1967 Riley Kestrel
To start off, 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1967 Riley Kestrel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1967 Riley Kestrel would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1967 Riley Kestrel. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1967 Riley Kestrel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 77 kg more than 1967 Riley Kestrel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1967 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, 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1967 Riley Kestrel. (83 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1967 Riley Kestrel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1967 Riley Kestrel | |
| Make | Mazda | Riley |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Kestrel |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1967 |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1098 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 888 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2380 mm |
