1959 Riley 4 vs. 2001 BMW Z3
To start off, 2001 BMW Z3 is newer by 42 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW Z3 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1959 Riley 4. (63 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1959 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW Z3 weights approximately 260 kg more than 1959 Riley 4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2001 BMW Z3 (301 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Riley 4. (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2001 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Riley 4. 2001 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 1959 Riley 4 has manual transmission. 1959 Riley 4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Riley 4 | 2001 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Riley | BMW |
| Model | 4 | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1487 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 301 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 142 km/hour | 236 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 51 L |
