2008 Mercury Sable vs. 1973 Reliant Rebel
To start off, 2008 Mercury Sable 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 3,495 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercury Sable (260 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 229 more horse power than 1973 Reliant Rebel. (31 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1973 Reliant Rebel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Sable weights approximately 1257 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.
Because 1973 Reliant Rebel 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 1973 Reliant Rebel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Sable, 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, 2008 Mercury Sable (332 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Reliant Rebel. (52 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Reliant Rebel. 2008 Mercury Sable 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 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercury Sable | 1973 Reliant Rebel | |
| Make | Mercury | Reliant |
| Model | Sable | Rebel |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3495 cc | 701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 52 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1832 kg | 575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2270 mm |
