2008 BMW M3 vs. 1970 Riley 4
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Riley 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Riley 4 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 271 more horse power than 1970 Riley 4. (67 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1970 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 507 kg more than 1970 Riley 4. 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 M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 245 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Riley 4. (120 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Riley 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 1970 Riley 4 | |
| Make | BMW | Riley |
| Model | M3 | 4 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1622 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1148 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 45 L |
