1993 Lancia Thema vs. 1971 Riley 4
To start off, 1993 Lancia Thema is newer by 22 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1993 Lancia Thema is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Lancia Thema (205 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1971 Riley 4. (67 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1971 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Lancia Thema weights approximately 182 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.
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, 1993 Lancia Thema, 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, 1993 Lancia Thema (298 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Riley 4. (121 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1993 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Riley 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Lancia Thema | 1971 Riley 4 | |
| Make | Lancia | Riley |
| Model | Thema | 4 |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1622 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 76.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1148 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2530 mm |
