1974 Reliant Rebel vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 23 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 5,584 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (420 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 389 more horse power than 1974 Reliant Rebel. (31 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1974 Reliant Rebel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen W12 weights approximately 577 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, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 478 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Reliant Rebel. (52 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Reliant Rebel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Reliant Rebel | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Reliant | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rebel | W12 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 701 cc | 5584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 52 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 60.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 575 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3510 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1010 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2540 mm |
