1990 BMW 525 vs. 1963 Riley Elf
To start off, 1990 BMW 525 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Riley Elf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Riley Elf would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 525 (185 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1963 Riley Elf. (34 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1963 Riley Elf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 525 weights approximately 925 kg more than 1963 Riley Elf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 BMW 525 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 1990 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1963 Riley Elf, 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, 1990 BMW 525 (240 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Riley Elf. (60 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Riley Elf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 525 | 1963 Riley Elf | |
| Make | BMW | Riley |
| Model | 525 | Elf |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 847 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 122 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2040 mm |
