1974 Reliant Rebel vs. 1979 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 1979 Triumph Spitfire is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Reliant Rebel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Reliant Rebel would be higher. At 1,493 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Triumph Spitfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Triumph Spitfire (71 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1974 Reliant Rebel. (31 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Triumph Spitfire should accelerate faster than 1974 Reliant Rebel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Triumph Spitfire weights approximately 240 kg more than 1974 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, 1979 Triumph Spitfire (111 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Reliant Rebel. (52 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Triumph Spitfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Reliant Rebel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Reliant Rebel | 1979 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Reliant | Triumph |
| Model | Rebel | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 701 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 52 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 60.5 mm | 73.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 575 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3510 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2110 mm |
