2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1958 Riley 4
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Riley 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Riley 4 would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1958 Riley 4. (63 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1958 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Riley 4 weights approximately 85 kg more than 2005 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, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Riley 4. (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Riley 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1958 Riley 4 | |
| Make | Mazda | Riley |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 4 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1958 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2530 mm |
