1971 Riley 4 vs. 2010 BMW 550
To start off, 2010 BMW 550 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Riley 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Riley 4 would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 333 more horse power than 1971 Riley 4. (67 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1971 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 550 weights approximately 1092 kg more than 1971 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, 2010 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 488 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Riley 4. (121 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Riley 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Riley 4 | 2010 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Riley | BMW |
| Model | 4 | 550 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1622 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| 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 | 2240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4999 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 3066 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
