2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1971 Riley 4
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 34 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 1,835 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1971 Riley 4. (67 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1971 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Riley 4 weights approximately 63 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 (170 Nm) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Riley 4. (121 Nm). This means 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Riley 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1971 Riley 4 | |
| Make | Mazda | Riley |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 4 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1835 cc | 1622 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1085 kg | 1148 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 45 L |
