2001 Ford Ka vs. 1961 Riley 4
To start off, 2001 Ford Ka is newer by 40 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 1,489 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Riley 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Riley 4 (63 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2001 Ford Ka. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1961 Riley 4 should accelerate faster than 2001 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Riley 4 weights approximately 260 kg more than 2001 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 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 1961 Riley 4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Ford Ka, 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, 1961 Riley 4 (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1961 Riley 4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Ka | 1961 Riley 4 | |
| Make | Ford | Riley |
| Model | Ka | 4 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 45 L |
