1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1969 Reliant Rebel
To start off, 1969 Reliant Rebel is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 948 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Austin A 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Austin A 40 (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1969 Reliant Rebel. (31 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Austin A 40 should accelerate faster than 1969 Reliant Rebel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Austin A 40 weights approximately 185 kg more than 1969 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, 1961 Austin A 40 (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Reliant Rebel. (52 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1961 Austin A 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Reliant Rebel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin A 40 | 1969 Reliant Rebel | |
| Make | Austin | Reliant |
| Model | A 40 | Rebel |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 52 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2270 mm |
