1991 BMW M12 vs. 1961 Riley 4
To start off, 1991 BMW M12 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Riley 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Riley 4 would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1991 BMW M12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 BMW M12 (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 233 more horse power than 1961 Riley 4. (63 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 BMW M12 should accelerate faster than 1961 Riley 4.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1991 BMW M12 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 335 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Riley 4. (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1991 BMW M12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Riley 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 BMW M12 | 1961 Riley 4 | |
| Make | BMW | Riley |
| Model | M12 | 4 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4988 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2550 mm |
