1998 Ford Contour vs. 1963 Riley 4
To start off, 1998 Ford Contour is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Riley 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Riley 4 would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (128 HP) has 61 more horse power than 1963 Riley 4. (67 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1963 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Contour weights approximately 94 kg more than 1963 Riley 4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 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 1963 Riley 4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour, 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, 1998 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Riley 4. (121 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Riley 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 1963 Riley 4 | |
| Make | Ford | Riley |
| Model | Contour | 4 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1963 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1622 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 67 HP |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.9 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1148 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2530 mm |
