1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse vs. 1971 Riley 4
To start off, 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 25 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 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1971 Riley 4. (67 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 1971 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 172 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, 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse, 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, 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Riley 4. (121 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Riley 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse | 1971 Riley 4 | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Riley |
| Model | Eclipse | 4 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1622 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1148 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2530 mm |
