1969 Riley Kestrel vs. 1973 Triumph 1500
To start off, 1973 Triumph 1500 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Riley Kestrel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Riley Kestrel would be higher. At 1,493 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Triumph 1500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Riley Kestrel (64 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1973 Triumph 1500. (60 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Riley Kestrel should accelerate faster than 1973 Triumph 1500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Triumph 1500 weights approximately 55 kg more than 1969 Riley Kestrel.
Because 1973 Triumph 1500 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 1973 Triumph 1500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1969 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, 1973 Triumph 1500 (110 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Riley Kestrel. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 Triumph 1500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Riley Kestrel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Riley Kestrel | 1973 Triumph 1500 | |
| Make | Riley | Triumph |
| Model | Kestrel | 1500 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1973 |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 60 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 63 L |
