1978 Chevrolet Nova vs. 1971 Riley 4
To start off, 1978 Chevrolet Nova is newer by 7 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 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Chevrolet Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Chevrolet Nova (108 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1971 Riley 4. (67 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Chevrolet Nova should accelerate faster than 1971 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Nova weights approximately 342 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.
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, 1978 Chevrolet Nova (258 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Riley 4. (121 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 Chevrolet Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Riley 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chevrolet Nova | 1971 Riley 4 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Riley |
| Model | Nova | 4 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1622 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1148 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2530 mm |
