1978 Reliant SE6 vs. 1973 Reliant Rebel
To start off, 1978 Reliant SE6 is newer by 5 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 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Reliant SE6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Reliant SE6 (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1973 Reliant Rebel. (31 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Reliant SE6 should accelerate faster than 1973 Reliant Rebel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Reliant SE6 weights approximately 675 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, 1978 Reliant SE6 (233 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Reliant Rebel. (52 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Reliant SE6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Reliant Rebel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Reliant SE6 | 1973 Reliant Rebel | |
| Make | Reliant | Reliant |
| Model | SE6 | Rebel |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2994 cc | 701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 233 Nm | 52 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2270 mm |
