1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia vs. 1986 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1986 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Reliant Scimitar (133 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 430 kg more than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 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, 1986 Reliant Scimitar (207 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1986 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 1986 Reliant Scimitar has automatic transmission and 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Reliant Scimitar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | 1986 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Reliant |
| Model | Karmann-Ghia | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1584 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 207 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.5 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2640 mm |
