1964 Reliant Rebel vs. 1973 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1973 Volkswagen 1600 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Reliant Rebel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Reliant Rebel would be higher. At 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Volkswagen 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Volkswagen 1600 (53 HP) has 26 more horse power than 1964 Reliant Rebel. (27 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Volkswagen 1600 should accelerate faster than 1964 Reliant Rebel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Volkswagen 1600 weights approximately 457 kg more than 1964 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, 1973 Volkswagen 1600 (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Reliant Rebel. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 Volkswagen 1600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Reliant Rebel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Reliant Rebel | 1973 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Reliant | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rebel | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 600 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 27 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 56 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 69 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 7.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 521 kg | 978 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3510 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2410 mm |
