1952 Buick 40 vs. 1980 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1980 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Buick 40 would be higher. At 4,066 cc (8 cylinders), 1952 Buick 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Reliant Scimitar (133 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1952 Buick 40. (118 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1952 Buick 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1952 Buick 40 weights approximately 370 kg more than 1980 Reliant Scimitar.
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, 1952 Buick 40 (292 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant Scimitar. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1952 Buick 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Buick 40 | 1980 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Buick | Reliant |
| Model | 40 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4066 cc | 2790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.6 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 104.8 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2640 mm |
