1959 MG MGA vs. 1961 Riley 4
To start off, 1961 Riley 4 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 MG MGA. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 MG MGA would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 MG MGA is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 MG MGA (89 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1961 Riley 4. (63 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 MG MGA should accelerate faster than 1961 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Riley 4 weights approximately 240 kg more than 1959 MG MGA.
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, 1959 MG MGA (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Riley 4. (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1959 MG MGA will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Riley 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 MG MGA | 1961 Riley 4 | |
| Make | MG | Riley |
| Model | MGA | 4 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2550 mm |
