1959 Riley 4 vs. 1969 Riley Kestrel
To start off, 1969 Riley Kestrel is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Riley 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Riley 4 would be higher. At 1,487 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Riley 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Riley Kestrel (64 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1959 Riley 4. (63 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Riley Kestrel should accelerate faster than 1959 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Riley 4 weights approximately 230 kg more than 1969 Riley Kestrel.
Because 1959 Riley 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 Riley 4. 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, 1959 Riley 4 (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Riley Kestrel. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1959 Riley 4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Riley Kestrel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Riley 4 | 1969 Riley Kestrel | |
| Make | Riley | Riley |
| Model | 4 | Kestrel |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1969 |
| Engine Size | 1487 cc | 1275 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2380 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 25 L |
