1971 Riley 4 vs. 2007 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Riley 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Riley 4 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Passat (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1971 Riley 4. (67 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1971 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 350 kg more than 1971 Riley 4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Riley 4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2007 Volkswagen Passat (281 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Riley 4. (121 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Riley 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Riley 4 | 2007 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Riley | Volkswagen |
| Model | 4 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1622 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.3 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1148 kg | 1498 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
