1996 Opel Vectra vs. 1971 Riley 4
To start off, 1996 Opel Vectra 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 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Opel Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Opel Vectra (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1971 Riley 4. (67 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1971 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Opel Vectra weights approximately 118 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 Opel Vectra, 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 Opel Vectra (170 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Riley 4. (121 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Riley 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Opel Vectra | 1971 Riley 4 | |
| Make | Opel | Riley |
| Model | Vectra | 4 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 1622 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1266 kg | 1148 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1510 mm |
