1966 Riley Kestrel vs. 1954 Riley Pathfinder
To start off, 1966 Riley Kestrel is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Riley Pathfinder. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Riley Pathfinder would be higher. At 2,443 cc (4 cylinders), 1954 Riley Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 Riley Pathfinder (108 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1966 Riley Kestrel. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1954 Riley Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 1966 Riley Kestrel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Riley Pathfinder weights approximately 650 kg more than 1966 Riley Kestrel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1954 Riley Pathfinder 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 1954 Riley Pathfinder. 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, 1954 Riley Pathfinder (182 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Riley Kestrel. (83 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1954 Riley Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Riley Kestrel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Riley Kestrel | 1954 Riley Pathfinder | |
| Make | Riley | Riley |
| Model | Kestrel | Pathfinder |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1954 |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 2443 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 885 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 59 L |
