2003 BMW 520 vs. 1971 Riley 4
To start off, 2003 BMW 520 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Riley 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Riley 4 would be higher. At 2,170 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1971 Riley 4. (67 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1971 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 522 kg more than 1971 Riley 4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 BMW 520 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Riley 4. (121 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Riley 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 1971 Riley 4 | |
| Make | BMW | Riley |
| Model | 520 | 4 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2170 cc | 1622 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1148 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |
