1988 Citroen AX vs. 1970 Reliant Bug
To start off, 1988 Citroen AX is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Reliant Bug. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Reliant Bug would be higher. At 1,360 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Citroen AX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Citroen AX (52 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1970 Reliant Bug. (31 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Citroen AX should accelerate faster than 1970 Reliant Bug. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Citroen AX weights approximately 342 kg more than 1970 Reliant Bug. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Reliant Bug 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 1970 Reliant Bug. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Citroen AX, 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, 1988 Citroen AX (84 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Reliant Bug. (52 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 Citroen AX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Reliant Bug.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Citroen AX | 1970 Reliant Bug | |
| Make | Citroen | Reliant |
| Model | AX | Bug |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1360 cc | 701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 52 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 52 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 408 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3510 mm | 2800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1400 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 1960 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 23 L |
