1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1965 Riley 4
To start off, 1991 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Riley 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Riley 4 would be higher. At 1,620 cc (4 cylinders), 1965 Riley 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Caterham Super 7 (84 HP) has 17 more horse power than 1965 Riley 4. (67 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 1965 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Riley 4 weights approximately 638 kg more than 1991 Caterham Super 7.
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, 1991 Caterham Super 7 (124 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Riley 4. (121 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1991 Caterham Super 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Riley 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Caterham Super 7 | 1965 Riley 4 | |
| Make | Caterham | Riley |
| Model | Super 7 | 4 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1965 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1620 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 84 HP | 67 HP |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1148 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 45 L |
