1983 Renault 5 vs. 1959 Riley 4
To start off, 1983 Renault 5 is newer by 24 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 1,487 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Riley 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Renault 5 (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1959 Riley 4. (63 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Renault 5 should accelerate faster than 1959 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Riley 4 weights approximately 270 kg more than 1983 Renault 5.
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, 1983 Renault 5, 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, 1983 Renault 5 (157 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Riley 4. (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1983 Renault 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Riley 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Renault 5 | 1959 Riley 4 | |
| Make | Renault | Riley |
| Model | 5 | 4 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1397 cc | 1487 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 45 L |
