1973 AC 428 vs. 1970 Reliant Bug
To start off, 1973 AC 428 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Reliant Bug. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Reliant Bug would be higher. At 7,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 AC 428 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 AC 428 (298 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 267 more horse power than 1970 Reliant Bug. (31 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 AC 428 should accelerate faster than 1970 Reliant Bug. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 AC 428 weights approximately 1022 kg more than 1970 Reliant Bug. 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, 1973 AC 428 (639 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 587 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Reliant Bug. (52 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1973 AC 428 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Reliant Bug.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 AC 428 | 1970 Reliant Bug | |
| Make | AC | Reliant |
| Model | 428 | Bug |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7002 cc | 701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 298 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 639 Nm | 52 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 408 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 2800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1400 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 1960 mm |
