2009 BMW M3 vs. 1970 Riley 4
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 39 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 347 more horse power than 1970 Riley 4. (67 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1970 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 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, 2009 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Riley 4. (120 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Riley 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1970 Riley 4 | |
| Make | BMW | Riley |
| Model | M3 | 4 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 1622 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | 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 | 4620 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 45 L |
