1971 Reliant Rebel vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 41 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (140 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1971 Reliant Rebel. (31 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1971 Reliant Rebel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 783 kg more than 1971 Reliant Rebel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 268 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Reliant Rebel. (52 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Reliant Rebel. 2012 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1971 Reliant Rebel has manual transmission. 1971 Reliant Rebel will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Reliant Rebel | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Reliant | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rebel | Golf |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 699 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 52 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 575 kg | 1358 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3510 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2578 mm |
