1976 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1958 Riley 4
To start off, 1976 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Riley 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Riley 4 would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ford Thunderbird (135 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1958 Riley 4. (63 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1958 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 480 kg more than 1958 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, 1976 Ford Thunderbird (317 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 202 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Riley 4. (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Riley 4. 1976 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1958 Riley 4 has manual transmission. 1958 Riley 4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Thunderbird | 1958 Riley 4 | |
| Make | Ford | Riley |
| Model | Thunderbird | 4 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 317 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2530 mm |
