1970 Reliant Rebel vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Reliant Rebel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Reliant Rebel would be higher. At 1,457 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit (62 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1970 Reliant Rebel. (31 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1970 Reliant Rebel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 234 kg more than 1970 Reliant Rebel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 Reliant Rebel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Reliant Rebel. (52 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Reliant Rebel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Reliant Rebel | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Reliant | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rebel | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 701 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 52 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 576 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3510 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2410 mm |
