1992 Fiat Panda vs. 1970 Reliant Bug
To start off, 1992 Fiat Panda is newer by 22 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 899 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Fiat Panda is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Fiat Panda (38 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1970 Reliant Bug. (31 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Fiat Panda should accelerate faster than 1970 Reliant Bug. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Fiat Panda weights approximately 287 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, 1992 Fiat Panda, 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, 1992 Fiat Panda (66 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Reliant Bug. (52 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1992 Fiat Panda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Reliant Bug.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Fiat Panda | 1970 Reliant Bug | |
| Make | Fiat | Reliant |
| Model | Panda | Bug |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 899 cc | 701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 52 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65 mm | 60.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.7 mm | 61 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 695 kg | 408 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 2800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1500 mm | 1400 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 1960 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 23 L |
