1974 Reliant Rebel vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 31 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (149 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1974 Reliant Rebel. (31 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1974 Reliant Rebel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 799 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.
Because 1974 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 1974 Reliant Rebel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Reliant Rebel. (52 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Reliant Rebel. 2005 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1974 Reliant Rebel has manual transmission. 1974 Reliant Rebel will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Reliant Rebel | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Reliant | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rebel | Passat |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 701 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 52 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 60.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 575 kg | 1374 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3510 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2710 mm |
