2006 Mazda 3 vs. 1957 Riley 1.5
To start off, 2006 Mazda 3 is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Riley 1.5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Riley 1.5 would be higher. At 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda 3 (105 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1957 Riley 1.5. (63 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1957 Riley 1.5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda 3 weights approximately 250 kg more than 1957 Riley 1.5. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 Riley 1.5 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 1957 Riley 1.5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mazda 3, 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, 2006 Mazda 3 (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Riley 1.5. (112 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Riley 1.5.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda 3 | 1957 Riley 1.5 | |
| Make | Mazda | Riley |
| Model | 3 | 1.5 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 112 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 935 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2190 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 31 L |
