1963 Riley Elf vs. 1978 Vauxhall Chevette
To start off, 1978 Vauxhall Chevette is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Riley Elf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Riley Elf would be higher. At 1,255 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Vauxhall Chevette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Vauxhall Chevette (56 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1963 Riley Elf. (34 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Vauxhall Chevette should accelerate faster than 1963 Riley Elf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Vauxhall Chevette weights approximately 205 kg more than 1963 Riley Elf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Vauxhall Chevette 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 1978 Vauxhall Chevette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1963 Riley Elf, 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, 1978 Vauxhall Chevette (89 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Riley Elf. (60 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1978 Vauxhall Chevette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Riley Elf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Riley Elf | 1978 Vauxhall Chevette | |
| Make | Riley | Vauxhall |
| Model | Elf | Chevette |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1255 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3280 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 45 L |
