2001 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1959 Riley 4
To start off, 2001 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Riley 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Riley 4 would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2001 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Alfa Romeo 156 (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1959 Riley 4. (63 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1959 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 210 kg more than 1959 Riley 4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 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 1959 Riley 4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2001 Alfa Romeo 156 (304 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Riley 4. (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2001 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Riley 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1959 Riley 4 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Riley |
| Model | 156 | 4 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 1487 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 45 L |
