1999 Lotus Esprit vs. 1959 Riley 4
To start off, 1999 Lotus Esprit is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Riley 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Riley 4 would be higher. At 3,506 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Lotus Esprit (349 HP) has 286 more horse power than 1959 Riley 4. (63 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1959 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Riley 4 weights approximately 465 kg more than 1999 Lotus Esprit.
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, 1999 Lotus Esprit (351 Nm) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Riley 4. (115 Nm). This means 1999 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Riley 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Lotus Esprit | 1959 Riley 4 | |
| Make | Lotus | Riley |
| Model | Esprit | 4 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 1487 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 349 HP | 63 HP |
| Torque | 351 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Top Speed | 276 km/hour | 142 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 675 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2530 mm |
