1971 Reliant Rebel vs. 1982 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1982 Volkswagen Santana is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Reliant Rebel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Reliant Rebel would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Volkswagen Santana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Volkswagen Santana (90 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1971 Reliant Rebel. (31 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Volkswagen Santana should accelerate faster than 1971 Reliant Rebel.
Because 1971 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 1971 Reliant Rebel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Volkswagen Santana, 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, 1982 Volkswagen Santana (145 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Reliant Rebel. (52 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1982 Volkswagen Santana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Reliant Rebel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Reliant Rebel | 1982 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Reliant | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rebel | Santana |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 699 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 52 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 60.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Length | 3510 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2560 mm |
