1954 Ford Vedette vs. 1966 Riley Kestrel
To start off, 1966 Riley Kestrel is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Ford Vedette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Ford Vedette would be higher. At 2,158 cc (8 cylinders), 1954 Ford Vedette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 Ford Vedette (66 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1966 Riley Kestrel. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1954 Ford Vedette should accelerate faster than 1966 Riley Kestrel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Ford Vedette weights approximately 240 kg more than 1966 Riley Kestrel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1954 Ford Vedette 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 1954 Ford Vedette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 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, 1954 Ford Vedette (122 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Riley Kestrel. (83 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1954 Ford Vedette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Riley Kestrel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Ford Vedette | 1966 Riley Kestrel | |
| Make | Ford | Riley |
| Model | Vedette | Kestrel |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1966 |
| Engine Size | 2158 cc | 1098 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2380 mm |
