2004 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1959 Riley 4
To start off, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 45 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 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 (247 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 184 more horse power than 1959 Riley 4. (63 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1959 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 396 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, 2004 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, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 (300 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Riley 4. (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Riley 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1959 Riley 4 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Riley |
| Model | 156 | 4 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1487 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 142 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 45 L |
