1955 Buick 40 vs. 1970 Reliant Bug
To start off, 1970 Reliant Bug is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Buick 40 would be higher. At 5,277 cc (8 cylinders), 1955 Buick 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Buick 40 (234 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 203 more horse power than 1970 Reliant Bug. (31 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Buick 40 should accelerate faster than 1970 Reliant Bug. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Buick 40 weights approximately 1317 kg more than 1970 Reliant Bug. 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 Buick 40 (447 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 395 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Reliant Bug. (52 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1955 Buick 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Reliant Bug.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Buick 40 | 1970 Reliant Bug | |
| Make | Buick | Reliant |
| Model | 40 | Bug |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5277 cc | 701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 234 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 52 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 408 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 1960 mm |
