1959 Porsche 356 vs. 1961 Reliant Sabre 4
To start off, 1961 Reliant Sabre 4 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 1,703 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Reliant Sabre 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Porsche 356 (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1961 Reliant Sabre 4. (70 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Porsche 356 should accelerate faster than 1961 Reliant Sabre 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Porsche 356 weights approximately 40 kg more than 1961 Reliant Sabre 4. 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, 1961 Reliant Sabre 4 (123 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Porsche 356. (119 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1961 Reliant Sabre 4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Porsche 356 | 1961 Reliant Sabre 4 | |
| Make | Porsche | Reliant |
| Model | 356 | Sabre 4 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1582 cc | 1703 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 119 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 838 kg | 798 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2290 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 38 L |
