1996 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1970 Riley 4
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 26 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 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (317 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 250 more horse power than 1970 Riley 4. (67 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1970 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 692 kg more than 1970 Riley 4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (471 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 351 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Riley 4. (120 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Riley 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1970 Riley 4 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Riley |
| Model | SL | 4 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 1622 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 471 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 1148 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 45 L |
