1969 Reliant Rebel vs. 1968 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 1969 Reliant Rebel is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Triumph Spitfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Triumph Spitfire would be higher. At 1,296 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Triumph Spitfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Triumph Spitfire (75 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1969 Reliant Rebel. (31 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Triumph Spitfire should accelerate faster than 1969 Reliant Rebel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Triumph Spitfire weights approximately 175 kg more than 1969 Reliant Rebel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 Reliant Rebel 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 1969 Reliant Rebel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1968 Triumph Spitfire, 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, 1968 Triumph Spitfire (104 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Reliant Rebel. (52 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1968 Triumph Spitfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Reliant Rebel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Reliant Rebel | 1968 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Reliant | Triumph |
| Model | Rebel | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 701 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 52 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 575 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3510 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2110 mm |
