1998 Jensen SV-8 vs. 1965 Riley Kestrel
To start off, 1998 Jensen SV-8 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Riley Kestrel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Riley Kestrel would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Jensen SV-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Jensen SV-8 (321 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 268 more horse power than 1965 Riley Kestrel. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Jensen SV-8 should accelerate faster than 1965 Riley Kestrel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Jensen SV-8 weights approximately 415 kg more than 1965 Riley Kestrel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Jensen SV-8 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 1998 Jensen SV-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1965 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, 1998 Jensen SV-8 (440 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 356 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Riley Kestrel. (84 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Jensen SV-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Riley Kestrel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Jensen SV-8 | 1965 Riley Kestrel | |
| Make | Jensen | Riley |
| Model | SV-8 | Kestrel |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1965 |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 1098 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 321 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2380 mm |
