1992 BMW 540 vs. 1966 Riley Kestrel
To start off, 1992 BMW 540 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Riley Kestrel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Riley Kestrel would be higher. At 3,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1992 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 229 more horse power than 1966 Riley Kestrel. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1966 Riley Kestrel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 540 weights approximately 836 kg more than 1966 Riley Kestrel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1992 BMW 540 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 1992 BMW 540. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 Riley Kestrel, 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, 1992 BMW 540 (400 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 317 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Riley Kestrel. (83 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Riley Kestrel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 540 | 1966 Riley Kestrel | |
| Make | BMW | Riley |
| Model | 540 | Kestrel |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1966 |
| Engine Size | 3982 cc | 1098 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1721 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2380 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 25 L |
