1963 Reliant Sabre Six vs. 1978 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1978 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Reliant Sabre Six. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Reliant Sabre Six would be higher. At 2,553 cc (6 cylinders), 1963 Reliant Sabre Six is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Reliant Sabre Six (108 HP) has 49 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Reliant Sabre Six should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 82 kg more than 1963 Reliant Sabre Six.
Because 1963 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 1963 Reliant Sabre Six. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1963 Reliant Sabre Six (185 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (95 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1963 Reliant Sabre Six will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Reliant Sabre Six | 1978 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Reliant | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sabre Six | Passat |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2553 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 798 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2480 mm |
