1988 Ford Escort vs. 1959 Riley 4
To start off, 1988 Ford Escort is newer by 29 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, 1988 Ford Escort (75 HP) has 12 more horse power than 1959 Riley 4. (63 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1988 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, 1988 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 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Escort. (109 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1959 Riley 4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Escort | 1959 Riley 4 | |
| Make | Ford | Riley |
| Model | Escort | 4 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1392 cc | 1487 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 63 HP |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 45 L |
