1961 Riley 4 vs. 2000 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2000 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Riley 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Riley 4 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Volkswagen Golf (113 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1961 Riley 4. (63 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1961 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Riley 4 weights approximately 35 kg more than 2000 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1961 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 1961 Riley 4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2000 Volkswagen Golf (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Riley 4. (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2000 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Riley 4. 2000 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1961 Riley 4 has manual transmission. 1961 Riley 4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Riley 4 | 2000 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Riley | Volkswagen |
| Model | 4 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4148 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1735 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2512 mm |
