1957 Riley 1.5 vs. 1996 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 39 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 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 (103 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1957 Riley 1.5. (63 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 should accelerate faster than 1957 Riley 1.5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 240 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, 1996 Alfa Romeo 146, 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, 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 (134 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Riley 1.5. (112 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 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 | 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | Riley | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 1.5 | 146 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 112 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 72 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 935 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2190 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 50 L |
