2009 Mazda 3 vs. 1959 Riley 4
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Riley 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Riley 4 would be higher. At 1,487 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Riley 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 3 (83 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1959 Riley 4. (63 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1959 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 15 kg more than 1959 Riley 4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 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 1959 Riley 4. 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, 2009 Mazda 3 (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Riley 4. (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Riley 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda 3 | 1959 Riley 4 | |
| Make | Mazda | Riley |
| Model | 3 | 4 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1347 cc | 1487 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 169 km/hour | 142 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 45 L |
