1981 Ford Mustang vs. 1974 Reliant Rebel
To start off, 1981 Ford Mustang is newer by 7 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 2,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Mustang (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1974 Reliant Rebel. (31 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1974 Reliant Rebel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Mustang weights approximately 610 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, 1981 Ford Mustang (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Reliant Rebel. (52 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Reliant Rebel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Mustang | 1974 Reliant Rebel | |
| Make | Ford | Reliant |
| Model | Mustang | Rebel |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 52 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.1 mm | 60.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 61 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2270 mm |
