1965 Riley Kestrel vs. 1988 Ford Falcon
To start off, 1988 Ford Falcon is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Riley Kestrel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Riley Kestrel would be higher. At 3,949 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Falcon (161 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1965 Riley Kestrel. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 1965 Riley Kestrel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Falcon weights approximately 545 kg more than 1965 Riley Kestrel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Ford Falcon 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 1988 Ford Falcon. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1965 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, 1988 Ford Falcon (311 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 227 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Riley Kestrel. (84 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Riley Kestrel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Riley Kestrel | 1988 Ford Falcon | |
| Make | Riley | Ford |
| Model | Kestrel | Falcon |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1988 |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 3949 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 311 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 885 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2800 mm |
