1981 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1969 Reliant Rebel
To start off, 1981 Fiat Ritmo is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Reliant Rebel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Reliant Rebel would be higher. At 1,585 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Fiat Ritmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Fiat Ritmo (100 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1969 Reliant Rebel. (31 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Fiat Ritmo should accelerate faster than 1969 Reliant Rebel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Fiat Ritmo weights approximately 365 kg more than 1969 Reliant Rebel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 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 1969 Reliant Rebel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Fiat Ritmo, 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, 1981 Fiat Ritmo (131 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Reliant Rebel. (52 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Fiat Ritmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Reliant Rebel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat Ritmo | 1969 Reliant Rebel | |
| Make | Fiat | Reliant |
| Model | Ritmo | Rebel |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 52 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 940 kg | 575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2270 mm |
