2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1966 Riley 4
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Riley 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Riley 4 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (189 HP) has 122 more horse power than 1966 Riley 4. (67 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1966 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Riley 4 weights approximately 194 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Riley 4. (122 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Riley 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1966 Riley 4 | |
| Make | Lotus | Riley |
| Model | Elise | 4 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1966 |
| 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 |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 67 HP |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 1148 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 45 L |
