2007 BMW 550 vs. 1966 Riley Kestrel
To start off, 2007 BMW 550 is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Riley Kestrel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Riley Kestrel would be higher. At 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 309 more horse power than 1966 Riley Kestrel. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1966 Riley Kestrel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 550 weights approximately 775 kg more than 1966 Riley Kestrel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 BMW 550 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 2007 BMW 550. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 Riley Kestrel, 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 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 407 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Riley Kestrel. (83 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Riley Kestrel.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 550 | 1966 Riley Kestrel | |
| Make | BMW | Riley |
| Model | 550 | Kestrel |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1966 |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 1098 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2380 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 25 L |
