1988 Ford Escort vs. 1970 Riley 4
To start off, 1988 Ford Escort is newer by 18 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 1,859 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Escort (89 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1970 Riley 4. (67 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1970 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Riley 4 weights approximately 123 kg more than 1988 Ford Escort.
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, 1988 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, 1988 Ford Escort (145 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Riley 4. (120 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Riley 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Escort | 1970 Riley 4 | |
| Make | Ford | Riley |
| Model | Escort | 4 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 1622 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1148 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2530 mm |
