2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1973 Reliant Rebel
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Reliant Rebel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Reliant Rebel would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (511 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 480 more horse power than 1973 Reliant Rebel. (31 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1973 Reliant Rebel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1385 kg more than 1973 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (720 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 668 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Reliant Rebel. (52 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Reliant Rebel. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1973 Reliant Rebel has manual transmission. 1973 Reliant Rebel will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1973 Reliant Rebel | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Reliant |
| Model | SL | Rebel |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 511 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 720 Nm | 52 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 60.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 61 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2270 mm |
