1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1974 Reliant Rebel
To start off, 1974 Reliant Rebel is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin A 55. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin A 55 would be higher. At 1,489 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Austin A 55 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Austin A 55 (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1974 Reliant Rebel. (31 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Austin A 55 should accelerate faster than 1974 Reliant Rebel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Austin A 55 weights approximately 480 kg more than 1974 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, 1955 Austin A 55 (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Reliant Rebel. (52 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1955 Austin A 55 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Reliant Rebel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 1974 Reliant Rebel | |
| Make | Austin | Reliant |
| Model | A 55 | Rebel |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 52 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2270 mm |
