1957 Porsche 356 vs. 1969 Riley Kestrel
To start off, 1969 Riley Kestrel is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 1,496 cc (4 cylinders), 1957 Porsche 356 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Porsche 356 (100 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1969 Riley Kestrel. (64 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 Porsche 356 should accelerate faster than 1969 Riley Kestrel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Riley Kestrel weights approximately 55 kg more than 1957 Porsche 356.
Because 1957 Porsche 356 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 Porsche 356. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1969 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, 1957 Porsche 356 (121 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Riley Kestrel. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1957 Porsche 356 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Riley Kestrel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Porsche 356 | 1969 Riley Kestrel | |
| Make | Porsche | Riley |
| Model | 356 | Kestrel |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1969 |
| Engine Size | 1496 cc | 1275 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 855 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2380 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 25 L |
