2008 BMW 550 vs. 1957 Riley 1.5
To start off, 2008 BMW 550 is newer by 51 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Riley 1.5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Riley 1.5 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 299 more horse power than 1957 Riley 1.5. (63 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1957 Riley 1.5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 550 weights approximately 725 kg more than 1957 Riley 1.5. 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, 2008 BMW 550 (491 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 379 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Riley 1.5. (112 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Riley 1.5.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 550 | 1957 Riley 1.5 | |
| Make | BMW | Riley |
| Model | 550 | 1.5 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 491 Nm | 112 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 935 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2190 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 31 L |
