2005 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1964 Riley 4
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Riley 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Riley 4 would be higher. At 1,910 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 (118 HP) has 51 more horse power than 1964 Riley 4. (67 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1964 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 343 kg more than 1964 Riley 4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1964 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 1964 Riley 4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159, 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, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 (289 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Riley 4. (121 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Riley 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1964 Riley 4 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Riley |
| Model | 159 | 4 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1964 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 1622 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 67 HP |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |
