1988 Lada Samara vs. 1959 Riley 4
To start off, 1988 Lada Samara 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 1,499 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lada Samara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lada Samara (70 HP @ 5550 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1959 Riley 4. (63 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lada Samara should accelerate faster than 1959 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Riley 4 weights approximately 220 kg more than 1988 Lada Samara.
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 Lada Samara, 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, 1988 Lada Samara (117 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Riley 4. (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1988 Lada Samara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Riley 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lada Samara | 1959 Riley 4 | |
| Make | Lada | Riley |
| Model | Samara | 4 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1499 cc | 1487 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 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 Weight | 920 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2530 mm |
