1997 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1966 Riley 4
To start off, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Riley 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Riley 4 would be higher. At 1,747 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 (143 HP) has 76 more horse power than 1966 Riley 4. (67 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1966 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 82 kg more than 1966 Riley 4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 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 1966 Riley 4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Riley 4. (122 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Riley 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1966 Riley 4 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Riley |
| Model | 156 | 4 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1622 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 67 HP |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1148 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 45 L |
