1976 Holden Statesman vs. 1969 Riley Kestrel
To start off, 1976 Holden Statesman is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Riley Kestrel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Riley Kestrel would be higher. At 5,040 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Holden Statesman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Holden Statesman (238 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 174 more horse power than 1969 Riley Kestrel. (64 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Holden Statesman should accelerate faster than 1969 Riley Kestrel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Holden Statesman weights approximately 625 kg more than 1969 Riley Kestrel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Holden Statesman 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 1976 Holden Statesman. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1969 Riley Kestrel, 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, 1976 Holden Statesman (427 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 331 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Riley Kestrel. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Holden Statesman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Riley Kestrel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Holden Statesman | 1969 Riley Kestrel | |
| Make | Holden | Riley |
| Model | Statesman | Kestrel |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1969 |
| Engine Size | 5040 cc | 1275 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2380 mm |
