1951 Fiat 1400 vs. 1965 Riley Kestrel
To start off, 1965 Riley Kestrel is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Fiat 1400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Fiat 1400 would be higher. At 1,393 cc (4 cylinders), 1951 Fiat 1400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Riley Kestrel (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1951 Fiat 1400. (43 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1965 Riley Kestrel should accelerate faster than 1951 Fiat 1400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Fiat 1400 weights approximately 245 kg more than 1965 Riley Kestrel.
Because 1951 Fiat 1400 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 1951 Fiat 1400. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1965 Riley Kestrel, 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, 1951 Fiat 1400 (87 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Riley Kestrel. (84 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1951 Fiat 1400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Riley Kestrel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Fiat 1400 | 1965 Riley Kestrel | |
| Make | Fiat | Riley |
| Model | 1400 | Kestrel |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1965 |
| Engine Size | 1393 cc | 1098 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2380 mm |
