1966 Riley Kestrel vs. 1959 Riley One-Point-Five
To start off, 1966 Riley Kestrel is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Riley One-Point-Five. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Riley One-Point-Five would be higher. At 1,489 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Riley One-Point-Five is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Riley One-Point-Five (62 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1966 Riley Kestrel. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Riley One-Point-Five should accelerate faster than 1966 Riley Kestrel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Riley One-Point-Five weights approximately 50 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 1959 Riley One-Point-Five 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 One-Point-Five. 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, 1959 Riley One-Point-Five (112 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Riley Kestrel. (83 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1959 Riley One-Point-Five will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Riley Kestrel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Riley Kestrel | 1959 Riley One-Point-Five | |
| Make | Riley | Riley |
| Model | Kestrel | One-Point-Five |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1959 |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 112 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 885 kg | 935 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2190 mm |
