1988 Citroen BX vs. 1961 Reliant Sabre 4
To start off, 1988 Citroen BX is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Reliant Sabre 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Reliant Sabre 4 would be higher. At 1,749 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Citroen BX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Citroen BX (90 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1961 Reliant Sabre 4. (70 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Citroen BX should accelerate faster than 1961 Reliant Sabre 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Citroen BX weights approximately 264 kg more than 1961 Reliant Sabre 4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Reliant Sabre 4 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 1961 Reliant Sabre 4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Citroen BX, 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 BX (181 Nm @ 2100 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Reliant Sabre 4. (123 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1988 Citroen BX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Reliant Sabre 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Citroen BX | 1961 Reliant Sabre 4 | |
| Make | Citroen | Reliant |
| Model | BX | Sabre 4 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1749 cc | 1703 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1062 kg | 798 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2290 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 38 L |
