2004 Mazda 2 vs. 1971 Riley 4
To start off, 2004 Mazda 2 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Riley 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Riley 4 would be higher. At 1,622 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Riley 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda 2 (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1971 Riley 4. (67 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 2 should accelerate faster than 1971 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Riley 4 weights approximately 23 kg more than 2004 Mazda 2.
Because 1971 Riley 4 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 1971 Riley 4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 2, 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, 2004 Mazda 2 (240 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Riley 4. (121 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda 2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Riley 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda 2 | 1971 Riley 4 | |
| Make | Mazda | Riley |
| Model | 2 | 4 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 1622 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 76.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1148 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3930 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 45 L |
