1957 Riley 1.5 vs. 1989 Volvo 440
To start off, 1989 Volvo 440 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Riley 1.5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Riley 1.5 would be higher. At 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Volvo 440 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Volvo 440 (120 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1957 Riley 1.5. (63 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Volvo 440 should accelerate faster than 1957 Riley 1.5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Volvo 440 weights approximately 125 kg more than 1957 Riley 1.5. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 Riley 1.5 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 Riley 1.5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Volvo 440, 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, 1989 Volvo 440 (175 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Riley 1.5. (112 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1989 Volvo 440 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Riley 1.5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Riley 1.5 | 1989 Volvo 440 | |
| Make | Riley | Volvo |
| Model | 1.5 | 440 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 112 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 935 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2190 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 60 L |
