1956 BMW 501 vs. 1968 Riley 4
To start off, 1968 Riley 4 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 BMW 501 would be higher. At 3,166 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 BMW 501 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 BMW 501 (138 HP) has 71 more horse power than 1968 Riley 4. (67 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1956 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1968 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 501 weights approximately 257 kg more than 1968 Riley 4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1956 BMW 501 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Riley 4. (121 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1956 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Riley 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 1968 Riley 4 | |
| Make | BMW | Riley |
| Model | 501 | 4 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 1622 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 67 HP |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1148 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2530 mm |
