1973 Reliant Rebel vs. 1980 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1980 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Reliant Rebel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Reliant Rebel would be higher. At 2,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Reliant Scimitar (133 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1973 Reliant Rebel. (31 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1973 Reliant Rebel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 690 kg more than 1973 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, 1980 Reliant Scimitar (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Reliant Rebel. (52 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Reliant Rebel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Reliant Rebel | 1980 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Reliant | Reliant |
| Model | Rebel | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 701 cc | 2790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 52 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 60.5 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 575 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3510 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2640 mm |
