1979 Reliant SE6 vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Reliant SE6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Reliant SE6 would be higher. At 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Reliant SE6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Reliant SE6 (133 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (85 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Reliant SE6 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Reliant SE6 weights approximately 330 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Reliant SE6 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 1979 Reliant SE6. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1979 Reliant SE6 (233 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (126 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1979 Reliant SE6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Reliant SE6 | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Reliant | Volkswagen |
| Model | SE6 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2994 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 233 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2480 mm |
