1998 Lotus Elise vs. 1968 Riley 4
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Riley 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Riley 4 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP) has 120 more horse power than 1968 Riley 4. (67 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1968 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Riley 4 weights approximately 434 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise.
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, 1998 Lotus Elise (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Riley 4. (121 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Riley 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 1968 Riley 4 | |
| Make | Lotus | Riley |
| Model | Elise | 4 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1622 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 67 HP |
| Torque | 193 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1148 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2530 mm |
