1986 Ford Escort vs. 1971 Riley 4
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 15 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 1,751 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Riley 4 (67 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Riley 4 should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Riley 4 weights approximately 238 kg more than 1986 Ford Escort. 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, 1986 Ford Escort, 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, 1971 Riley 4 (121 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1971 Riley 4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1971 Riley 4 | |
| Make | Ford | Riley |
| Model | Escort | 4 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1751 cc | 1622 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 76.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.5:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1148 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 45 L |
