1981 BMW 745 vs. 1957 Riley 1.5
To start off, 1981 BMW 745 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Riley 1.5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Riley 1.5 would be higher. At 3,430 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 745 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 745 (252 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 189 more horse power than 1957 Riley 1.5. (63 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 745 should accelerate faster than 1957 Riley 1.5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 745 weights approximately 655 kg more than 1957 Riley 1.5. 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, 1981 BMW 745 (380 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 268 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Riley 1.5. (112 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 745 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Riley 1.5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 745 | 1957 Riley 1.5 | |
| Make | BMW | Riley |
| Model | 745 | 1.5 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 112 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 935 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2190 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 31 L |
