1970 Riley 4 vs. 1971 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1971 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 1 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 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 218 more horse power than 1970 Riley 4. (67 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1970 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 448 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, 1971 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 301 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Riley 4. (120 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1971 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Riley 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Riley 4 | 1971 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Riley | Pontiac |
| Model | 4 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1622 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1148 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 76 L |
