2009 Ford Flex vs. 1980 Reliant GTC
To start off, 2009 Ford Flex is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Reliant GTC. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Reliant GTC would be higher. At 3,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Flex is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Flex (262 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1980 Reliant GTC. (135 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Flex should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant GTC. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Reliant GTC weights approximately 324 kg more than 2009 Ford Flex.
Because 1980 Reliant GTC 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 1980 Reliant GTC. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Flex, 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, 2009 Ford Flex (336 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant GTC. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Flex will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant GTC. 2009 Ford Flex has automatic transmission and 1980 Reliant GTC has manual transmission. 1980 Reliant GTC will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Ford Flex will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Flex | 1980 Reliant GTC | |
| Make | Ford | Reliant |
| Model | Flex | GTC |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3494 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 262 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 91 L |
