1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1970 Riley 4
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Riley 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Riley 4 would be higher. At 1,622 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Riley 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1970 Riley 4. (67 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1970 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Riley 4 weights approximately 123 kg more than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Riley 4. (120 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Riley 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1970 Riley 4 | |
| Make | Mazda | Riley |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 4 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1622 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1148 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 45 L |
