1968 Reliant Regal vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Reliant Regal. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Reliant Regal would be higher. At 1,715 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit (72 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1968 Reliant Regal. (29 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1968 Reliant Regal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 390 kg more than 1968 Reliant Regal. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Reliant Regal 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 1968 Reliant Regal. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Reliant Regal. (46 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Reliant Regal.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Reliant Regal | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Reliant | Volkswagen |
| Model | Regal | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 700 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 46 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 60.4 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 455 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3440 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1940 mm | 2410 mm |
