1959 Morgan 4 vs. 1966 Riley Kestrel
To start off, 1966 Riley Kestrel is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Morgan 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Morgan 4 would be higher. At 1,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Morgan 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Riley Kestrel (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1959 Morgan 4. (33 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Riley Kestrel should accelerate faster than 1959 Morgan 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Riley Kestrel weights approximately 235 kg more than 1959 Morgan 4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Morgan 4 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 1959 Morgan 4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 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, 1966 Riley Kestrel (83 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Morgan 4. (73 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 1966 Riley Kestrel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Morgan 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Morgan 4 | 1966 Riley Kestrel | |
| Make | Morgan | Riley |
| Model | 4 | Kestrel |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1966 |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1098 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 33 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 73 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2380 mm |
