1973 Honda 1300 vs. 1959 Riley 4
To start off, 1973 Honda 1300 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Riley 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Riley 4 would be higher. At 1,487 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Riley 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Honda 1300 (81 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1959 Riley 4. (63 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Honda 1300 should accelerate faster than 1959 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Riley 4 weights approximately 245 kg more than 1973 Honda 1300.
Because 1959 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 1959 Riley 4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 Honda 1300, 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 4 (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Honda 1300. (105 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1959 Riley 4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Honda 1300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Honda 1300 | 1959 Riley 4 | |
| Make | Honda | Riley |
| Model | 1300 | 4 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1487 cc |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 895 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2200 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 45 L |
