1961 Reliant Sabre 4 vs. 1984 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1984 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Reliant Sabre 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Reliant Sabre 4 would be higher. At 1,703 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Reliant Sabre 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Reliant Sabre 4 (70 HP) has 17 more horse power than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Reliant Sabre 4 should accelerate faster than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 77 kg more than 1961 Reliant Sabre 4.
Because 1961 Reliant Sabre 4 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 1961 Reliant Sabre 4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 1961 Reliant Sabre 4 (123 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. (96 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1961 Reliant Sabre 4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Reliant Sabre 4 | 1984 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Reliant | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sabre 4 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1703 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 798 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2480 mm |
