1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1971 Reliant Rebel
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Reliant Rebel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Reliant Rebel would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Caterham C21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1971 Reliant Rebel. (31 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1971 Reliant Rebel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Caterham C21 weights approximately 79 kg more than 1971 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, 1997 Caterham C21 (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Reliant Rebel. (52 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Reliant Rebel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1971 Reliant Rebel | |
| Make | Caterham | Reliant |
| Model | C21 | Rebel |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 699 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 52 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 60.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 61 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2270 mm |
