1966 Riley Kestrel vs. 1959 Riley Two Point Six
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 Two Point Six. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Riley Two Point Six would be higher. At 2,639 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Riley Two Point Six is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Riley Two Point Six (97 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1966 Riley Kestrel. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Riley Two Point Six should accelerate faster than 1966 Riley Kestrel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Riley Two Point Six weights approximately 755 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 Two Point Six 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 Two Point Six. 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 Two Point Six (183 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Riley Kestrel. (83 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1959 Riley Two Point Six 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 Two Point Six | |
| Make | Riley | Riley |
| Model | Kestrel | Two Point Six |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1959 |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 2639 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 885 kg | 1640 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2890 mm |
