1981 Porsche 944 vs. 1959 Riley 4
To start off, 1981 Porsche 944 is newer by 22 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 2,479 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Porsche 944 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Porsche 944 (145 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1959 Riley 4. (63 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Porsche 944 should accelerate faster than 1959 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Porsche 944 weights approximately 205 kg more than 1959 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, 1981 Porsche 944 (195 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Riley 4. (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1981 Porsche 944 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Riley 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Porsche 944 | 1959 Riley 4 | |
| Make | Porsche | Riley |
| Model | 944 | 4 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2479 cc | 1487 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2530 mm |
