1961 Riley 4 vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 45 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (113 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1961 Riley 4. (63 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1961 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 338 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, 2006 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Riley 4. (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Riley 4. 2006 Volkswagen Passat 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. 2006 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Riley 4 | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Riley | Volkswagen |
| Model | 4 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.3:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1478 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
