1984 Ford Escort vs. 1959 Riley 4
To start off, 1984 Ford Escort is newer by 25 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, 1984 Ford Escort (68 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1959 Riley 4. (63 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1959 Riley 4.
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, 1984 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, 1959 Riley 4 (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Ford Escort. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1959 Riley 4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ford Escort | 1959 Riley 4 | |
| Make | Ford | Riley |
| Model | Escort | 4 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1295 cc | 1487 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2530 mm |
