2009 Mazda 3 vs. 1957 Riley 2.6
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 52 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Riley 2.6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Riley 2.6 would be higher. At 2,639 cc (6 cylinders), 1957 Riley 2.6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 3 (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1957 Riley 2.6. (101 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1957 Riley 2.6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Riley 2.6 weights approximately 458 kg more than 2009 Mazda 3.
Because 1957 Riley 2.6 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 2.6. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1957 Riley 2.6 (194 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1957 Riley 2.6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda 3 | 1957 Riley 2.6 | |
| Make | Mazda | Riley |
| Model | 3 | 2.6 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2639 cc |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 194 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Top Speed | 183 km/hour | 150 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1182 kg | 1640 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 54 L |
