1948 Citroen 2CV vs. 1971 Reliant Rebel
To start off, 1971 Reliant Rebel is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Citroen 2CV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Citroen 2CV would be higher. At 699 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Reliant Rebel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Reliant Rebel (31 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1948 Citroen 2CV. (9 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Reliant Rebel should accelerate faster than 1948 Citroen 2CV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1948 Citroen 2CV weights approximately 107 kg more than 1971 Reliant Rebel.
Because 1971 Reliant Rebel 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 1971 Reliant Rebel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1948 Citroen 2CV, 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, 1971 Reliant Rebel (52 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Citroen 2CV. (23 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1971 Reliant Rebel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Citroen 2CV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Citroen 2CV | 1971 Reliant Rebel | |
| Make | Citroen | Reliant |
| Model | 2CV | Rebel |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 375 cc | 699 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 9 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 23 Nm | 52 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62 mm | 60.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 62 mm | 61 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.2:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 682 kg | 575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3780 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2270 mm |
