1980 Ford Escort vs. 1959 Riley 4
To start off, 1980 Ford Escort is newer by 21 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 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Ford Escort (96 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1959 Riley 4. (63 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Ford Escort 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 1980 Ford Escort.
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, 1980 Ford Escort, 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, 1980 Ford Escort (132 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Riley 4. (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1980 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Riley 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 1959 Riley 4 | |
| Make | Ford | Riley |
| Model | Escort | 4 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1487 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 142 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 895 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 45 L |
