1961 Riley 4 vs. 2001 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 40 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 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen Polo (98 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1961 Riley 4. (63 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1961 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 25 kg more than 1961 Riley 4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2001 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 2001 Volkswagen Polo (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Riley 4. (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Riley 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Riley 4 | 2001 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Riley | Volkswagen |
| Model | 4 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.3:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 126 km/hour | 188 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 45 L |
