1963 Reliant Sabre 4 vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Reliant Sabre 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Reliant Sabre 4 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1963 Reliant Sabre 4. (70 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1963 Reliant Sabre 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 563 kg more than 1963 Reliant Sabre 4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 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 1963 Reliant Sabre 4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Reliant Sabre 4. (123 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Reliant Sabre 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Reliant Sabre 4 | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Reliant | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sabre 4 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1703 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 797 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4277 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 55 L |
