1990 Ford Escort vs. 1971 Riley 4
To start off, 1990 Ford Escort is newer by 19 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 1,622 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Riley 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Ford Escort (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1971 Riley 4. (67 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1971 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Riley 4 weights approximately 83 kg more than 1990 Ford Escort.
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, 1990 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, 1990 Ford Escort (135 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Riley 4. (121 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1990 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Riley 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ford Escort | 1971 Riley 4 | |
| Make | Ford | Riley |
| Model | Escort | 4 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1622 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1065 kg | 1148 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1510 mm |
