1970 Riley 4 vs. 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 35 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 2,350 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse (145 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1970 Riley 4. (67 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 1970 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 262 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, 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse, 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, 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse (214 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Riley 4. (120 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Riley 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Riley 4 | 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Riley | Mitsubishi |
| Model | 4 | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1622 cc | 2350 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 214 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 100 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1148 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2570 mm |
