1970 Riley 4 vs. 2009 BMW 530
To start off, 2009 BMW 530 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Riley 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Riley 4 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 530 (254 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 1970 Riley 4. (67 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1970 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 530 weights approximately 132 kg more than 1970 Riley 4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 BMW 530 (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Riley 4. (120 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Riley 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Riley 4 | 2009 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Riley | BMW |
| Model | 4 | 530 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1622 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 254 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1148 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
