1966 Riley Kestrel vs. 1968 Riley 4
To start off, 1968 Riley 4 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Riley Kestrel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Riley Kestrel would be higher. At 1,622 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Riley 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Riley 4 (67 HP) has 14 more horse power than 1966 Riley Kestrel. (53 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Riley 4 should accelerate faster than 1966 Riley Kestrel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Riley 4 weights approximately 263 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 1968 Riley 4 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 1968 Riley 4. 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, 1968 Riley 4 (121 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Riley Kestrel. (83 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1968 Riley 4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Riley Kestrel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Riley Kestrel | 1968 Riley 4 | |
| Make | Riley | Riley |
| Model | Kestrel | 4 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1968 |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1622 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 67 HP |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 885 kg | 1148 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 45 L |
