1970 Reliant Rebel vs. 1987 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1987 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 17 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 1,296 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Reliant Scimitar (68 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1970 Reliant Rebel. (31 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1970 Reliant Rebel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 264 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.
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, 1987 Reliant Scimitar (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Reliant Rebel. (52 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1987 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Reliant Rebel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Reliant Rebel | 1987 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Reliant | Reliant |
| Model | Rebel | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1987 |
| 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 | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 52 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 576 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3510 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2140 mm |
