1961 Reliant Sabre Six vs. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Reliant Sabre Six. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Reliant Sabre Six would be higher. At 2,553 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Reliant Sabre Six is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle (113 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1961 Reliant Sabre Six. (109 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1961 Reliant Sabre Six. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 415 kg more than 1961 Reliant Sabre Six. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Reliant Sabre Six 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 Six. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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 Six (186 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (165 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1961 Reliant Sabre Six will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Reliant Sabre Six | 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Reliant | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sabre Six | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2553 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 179 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 816 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 55 L |
