1998 Opel Signum vs. 1961 Riley 4
To start off, 1998 Opel Signum is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Riley 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Riley 4 would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Opel Signum is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Opel Signum (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1961 Riley 4. (63 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 1961 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Riley 4 weights approximately 285 kg more than 1998 Opel Signum.
Because 1961 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 1961 Riley 4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Opel Signum, 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 Opel Signum (185 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Riley 4. (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1998 Opel Signum will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Riley 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Opel Signum | 1961 Riley 4 | |
| Make | Opel | Riley |
| Model | Signum | 4 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 855 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 45 L |
