1946 Austin 16 vs. 1972 Reliant Rebel
To start off, 1972 Reliant Rebel is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1946 Austin 16. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1946 Austin 16 would be higher. At 2,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1946 Austin 16 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1946 Austin 16 (63 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1972 Reliant Rebel. (31 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1946 Austin 16 should accelerate faster than 1972 Reliant Rebel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1946 Austin 16 weights approximately 705 kg more than 1972 Reliant Rebel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1946 Austin 16 (146 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Reliant Rebel. (53 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1946 Austin 16 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Reliant Rebel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1946 Austin 16 | 1972 Reliant Rebel | |
| Make | Austin | Reliant |
| Model | 16 | Rebel |
| Year Released | 1946 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2200 cc | 701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 53 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 60.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 61 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2270 mm |
