1966 Ford Zephyr vs. 1959 Riley 4
To start off, 1966 Ford Zephyr is newer by 7 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 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 1966 Ford Zephyr is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Ford Zephyr (105 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1959 Riley 4. (63 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Ford Zephyr should accelerate faster than 1959 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Ford Zephyr weights approximately 160 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, 1966 Ford Zephyr (180 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Riley 4. (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1966 Ford Zephyr will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Riley 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Ford Zephyr | 1959 Riley 4 | |
| Make | Ford | Riley |
| Model | Zephyr | 4 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 1487 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2530 mm |
