1970 Riley 4 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 11 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 1,715 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit (72 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1970 Riley 4. (67 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1970 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Riley 4 weights approximately 303 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Because 1970 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 1970 Riley 4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Riley 4. (120 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Riley 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Riley 4 | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Riley | Volkswagen |
| Model | 4 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1622 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1148 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2410 mm |
