1973 MG MGB vs. 1959 Riley 4-68
To start off, 1973 MG MGB is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Riley 4-68. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Riley 4-68 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 MG MGB is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 MG MGB (97 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1959 Riley 4-68. (63 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 MG MGB should accelerate faster than 1959 Riley 4-68. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Riley 4-68 weights approximately 92 kg more than 1973 MG MGB.
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, 1973 MG MGB (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Riley 4-68. (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1973 MG MGB will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Riley 4-68.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 MG MGB | 1959 Riley 4-68 | |
| Make | MG | Riley |
| Model | MGB | 4-68 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1092 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2530 mm |
