1970 Riley 4 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 33 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 1,622 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Riley 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1970 Riley 4. (67 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1970 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 12 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.
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, 2003 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (156 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Riley 4. (120 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Riley 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Riley 4 | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Riley | Volkswagen |
| Model | 4 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1622 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1148 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
