2007 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1959 Riley 4
To start off, 2007 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 48 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 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2007 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Alfa Romeo 156 (174 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1959 Riley 4. (63 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1959 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 245 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, 2007 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, 2007 Alfa Romeo 156 (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Riley 4. (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2007 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Riley 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1959 Riley 4 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Riley |
| Model | 156 | 4 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 1487 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 174 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 142 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 45 L |
