2003 Audi A3 vs. 1959 Riley 4
To start off, 2003 Audi A3 is newer by 44 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 1,967 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Audi A3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Audi A3 (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1959 Riley 4. (63 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1959 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Audi A3 weights approximately 200 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, 2003 Audi A3, 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, 2003 Audi A3 (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Riley 4. (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2003 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Riley 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Audi A3 | 1959 Riley 4 | |
| Make | Audi | Riley |
| Model | A3 | 4 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1967 cc | 1487 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 207 km/hour | 142 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 45 L |
